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African countries must prioritize the safety of the elderly population, whose vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic is greater compared to other population groups, an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday on the occasion of the International Day of old people.
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said older people are at increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, noting that interventions aimed at containing the virulent disease should pay special attention to older people.
“Our elders give us love and care, and are a source of wisdom and talent, influencing who we are and who we aspire to be. Together we have a duty to help older people realize their human rights and live with dignity.” . Moeti said in a statement that he arrived in Xinhua on Thursday.
On the continent, the WHO official said, more than 17,000 people over the age of 55 have lost their lives to COVID-19, accounting for more than 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths in the region.
To address the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on the elderly, Moeti said the region must play a role in protecting the elderly, including practicing the preventive measures of wearing masks, maintaining a physical distance, and washing hands with frequency.
He added that there are about 54 million people over the age of 60 in sub-Saharan Africa, representing five percent of older adults worldwide, noting that the population of older people in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 67 million by 2025 and 163 million. by 2050.
According to her, the year 2020 has been designated as the beginning of the decade of healthy aging in recognition of the profound social and economic impacts of the aging of the population worldwide.
“This is an opportunity to invest more in a long and healthy life, to combat age discrimination and improve the autonomy of older people, including by building resilient health and social systems that incorporate the needs of older people.” Moeti said.
The global health agency said it was working with 40 African countries to build capacity for integrated care of older people, an approach that focuses on community care, early detection and management of declines in physical capacities and mental health, and support for domestic caregivers.
In line with the global strategy and action plan on aging and health 2016-2020, 23 African countries have multisectoral policies and strategic plans on healthy aging.
“Moving forward, we are increasing the focus on integrated and people-centered care in the Africa region, to address the needs of different population subgroups, including older adults,” he added.
The United Nations designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme is “Pandemics: Are they changing the way we approach aging and aging?” And aims to help older people realize their human rights and live in dignity.
