Human-rights activist Dr Carolyn Gomes appealed to the nation to provide childcare agencies with the tools to care for vulnerable children.

Gomes was the guest speaker at the Jamaica Women's Club International Lunch held at the Hotel Four Seasons, St Andrew, on Thursday.

A former paediatrician, Gomes' comments come days after several child-abuse cases gained prominence in the media, including that of a nine-month-old-baby boy who, while in the custody of a family friend, was sodo-mised and murdered by a relative.

A donation of $30,000 was presented to Leroy Anderson, the director of Jamaica's National Children's Home, by the president of the women's club, Blossom Hakansson.

Gomes commended the gesture made by the women's club and urged more people to assist caregivers with the equipment to help children in need.