As the saying goes according to a Congolese proverb, “a single bracelet does not jingle”. To orchestrate the conversation on older persons and COVID-19, and to arrange efforts for their rights and protection, experts convened virtually on 20 August to create an effective plan of action to support older persons communities in Africa.

“More than ever, now is the time to make evidence-based decisions ,” said Amal Abou Rafeh, Chief of the Programme on Ageing Unit in UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development, as she addressed the event “United and Coordinated Africa for the Inclusion of Older Persons in COVID-19 Policy Response and Development Agendas.”

While the number of older persons is increasing in Africa, more efforts are needed to protect and support them. Ms. Abou Rafeh expressed the hope that this event would help form alliances “to influence policymakers in the region, ensuring that issues of relevance to older Africans” are addressed.

Dr. Jane Marie Ong’olo of the African Union Commission highlighted that the socio-economic weaknesses exposed by the pandemic disproportionately affect older persons. Only 34 per cent of the population in Africa have access to hand washing facilities, and the presence of pre-existing public health emergencies and weak health services, make the impact of COVID-19 even more pronounced.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Christine Umutoni, detailed how collaborative efforts between the UN and government agencies had ensured mitigation measures such as door-to-door pension distribution and priority access for the elderly in shops and on public transport. She attributed these successes to high-level advocacy, an understanding about elderly issues, effective data analysis and the coordination of expertise across agencies.

Convened by SGA Africa in collaboration with the African Union Commission and UN DESA, the event highlighted key areas that policymakers must address. It also demonstrated how joint efforts can provide solutions, writing the score for development that will benefit us all.

Photo: UN Photo