gms | German Medical Science

The lecture delves into the political and medical child protection systems in both Germany and Sierra Leone. Both countries share common goals of protecting children from harm and promoting their well-being. Both recognize the importance of education and awareness-raising in preventing child abuse and neglect. Although both countries attach great importance to the well-being of children, there is still ample room for improving sensitivity to the issue for various reasons in both countries. In Germany, protection of the family and the confidentiality within the medical system are highly regarded for good reasons, but this often brings uncertainty in identifying child protection issues early in daily practice. Additionally, there is a lack of personnel to achieve important goals. Conversely, in Sierra Leone, some regions struggle to fulfil not only the basic needs of children but also for adults, making it challenging to ensure child welfare.