The Ministry profile highlights the functions of the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (Vote 53 CDGEC Department) with effect from 2016/17 to date. It states the vision and mission, objectives, mandate and the main functions assumed by responsible Departments and Units in defining the Ministry’s operations.

The Ministry’s functions strive on realizing the National Development Vision 2025, National Five Year Development Plan (2016/17 – 2020/21), Ruling Party Election Manifesto of 2015 and Sustainable Development Goals (2030). Ministry’s policies and plans, ranging on Community Development Policy (1996); Women and Gender Development Policy (2000); National Non-Governmental Organizations Policy (2002); National Aging Policy (2003); Child Development Policy (2008); National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA – VAWC 2017/18 - 2021/22); and International and Regional Instruments on women, elderly and children affairs that the country has signed and ratified and reflects the Ministry’s mission and objectives on national development agenda.

1.1 Background information

The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (CDGEC Department) was established in November, 2015 after the integration of two Ministries: Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children. The Ministry through the Community Development Department is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of five policies and two laws. The five policies and two laws are: Community Development Policy (1996); Women and Gender Development Policy (2000); National Non Governmental Organization Policy (2001); National Aging Policy (2003) and Child Development Policy (2008). While Laws are Non-Governmental Organization Act No.24 (2002) and Law of the Child Act No.21 (2009). In addition, it is responsible for overseeing institutions namely; Tengeru Institute of Community Development, Community Development Training Institutes, Elders Homes, Kurasini National Children’s Home, Retention Homes, Irambo Approved school, Institute of Social Work and Kisangara Institute of Social Work

1.2 Mandate and Functions of The Ministry of HCDGEC- Vote 53

According to Government Notice No. 144 of 22^nd April, 2016 the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (Vote 53) is mandated for:

1. Policies on Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children and their implementation
2. Coordination of NGOs dealing with the functions under this Sector
3. Facilitate collaboration with International Organizations mainly: UNICEF and UN WOMEN; and
4. Performance Improvement and Development of Human Resources under this Ministry; as well as working in collaboration with Extra - Ministerial Departments, Parastatal Organizations, Agencies, Programs and Projects under this Ministry