Minister backs Madonna's adoption bid

Malawi’s child welfare minister today backed Madonna’s bid to adopt a second child from the impoverished southern African country.

The high-level endorsement came the day before a judge is due to rule on the pop star’s request to adopt Chifundo “Mercy” James.

Women and Child Welfare Development Minister Anna Kachikho told the Association Press that Malawi has nearly two million orphans. If people like Madonna adopt even one, she said, “it’s one mouth less” for Malawi.

Ms Kachikho’s ministry processes all adoptions in Malawi.

The minister added that the singer is helping more than 25,000 Malawian children.

A coalition of non-governmental organisations in Malawi said Madonna’s plans have been fast-tracked because of her money and status. The minister said such critics are ungrateful.