Report of the Colloquium on ‘Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons in Africa’, organized by the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), in association with the Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND); International Day for Older Persons, 15th October 2024
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QUICK
RECAP |
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The
Event, moderated by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO and Programs Director of
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), commemorated the International Day of
Older Persons and featured Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director General of National
Senior Citizen Center in Nigeria, as the guest speaker. Participants came
from several countries including Nigeria, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Sierra
Leone, India, Pakistan, Cameroon, Kenya and Eswatini. The discussion focused
on the challenges of ageing with dignity in Africa, the importance of strengthening
care and support systems, and the development of national policies and plans
of action for older persons. The meeting also highlighted the need for
partnerships, the integration of technology, and the importance of
recognizing caregivers and integrating informal and formal care systems. |
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NEXT
STEPS |
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Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to visit the National Senior Citizen Center (NSCC)
office as discussed. |
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NSCC to continue developing their website and portal for registration and
information access. |
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NSCC to work on integrating technology, including developing a handheld app
for older persons to register and call for help. |
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NSCC to continue partnering with private sector organizations for health
promotion and outreach programs. |
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NSCC to advocate for elder justice and pension rights with relevant
government agencies. |
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Afrihealth Optonet Association to partner with NSCC to push for insurance
coverage for older persons' care. |
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Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to prepare and release a report on this meeting to
share the good practices championed in Nigeria for older persons globally. |
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INTRODUCTION
The
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global-level and community-focused
Network/Think-tank of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-state actors
(NSA) on Health, Biodiversity, Climate Actions and Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). Established in 1997 and incorporated in 2003, the Afrihealth
Optonet Association (AHOA) has teams/chapters in the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) and 36 States of Nigeria. With more than 2,700 (Two Thousand,
Seven Hundred) organizations from 119 (One Hundred and Nineteen) countries as
its members, and a Google Group of over 42,000 members globally Health,
Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, AHOA
has become a third-sector global player, partner, project/programme
developer, implementer, monitor and reporter on the measures needed to
achieve and safeguard them.
AHOA
t is committed to exploring the nexus between Health (UHC, PHC, HIV/AIDS, TB,
Malaria, Mpox, Hepatitis, NTDs, NCDs, Vaccines, Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies
or Hidden Hunger, and COVID-19); Environment, Ecosystems, Renewable Energy,
Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Climate Change; Nutrition and Food
Security; Gender, Democracy, Good Governance, and Human Rights. AHOA is in
Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC, accredited Observer status at UNEP/UNEA,
and approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Its application to the
UNFCCC is awaiting approval/admission. AHOA is the lead organization and
secretariat of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) and
the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change
and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC).
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COMMEMORATING
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS |
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The
Event was led by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO and Programs Director of
Afrihealth Optonet Association. The main topic of discussion was the
commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons. The guest speaker
was Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the National Senior Citizen
Center (NSCC) in Nigeria. The Programme of Events also included introductions
and recognitions of participants. Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of
the event and the role of the Afrihealth Optonet Association in promoting
health, climate actions, biodiversity and sustainable development. |
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INTRODUCTION
OF THE GUEST SPEAKER |
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Dr.
Uzodinma Adirieje, the CEO of AHOA, welcomed dignitaries and introduced the
guest speaker Dr. Emem Omokaro, the DG of NSCC to the Afrihealth Optonet
Association (AHOA) event to commemorate the International Day of Older
Persons. Dr. Omokaro has made significant contributions to the field of
ageing in Nigeria, including developing the National Policy on Ageing, the
first National Strategic Roadmap on Ageing in Nigeria for 2022 - 2032, and
the first National Plan of Action on Ageing and Capital Projects. She has
also established the Gerontology Association of Nigeria and the Stakeholder
Group on Ageing Africa. Dr. Omokaro has received numerous awards and
high-level invitations from governments and intergovernmental bodies. |
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ADDRESSING
NATIONAL POLICIES FOR OLDER PERSONS |
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The
discussion then shifted to the topic of national policies for older persons
in various countries. Participants were asked to indicate whether their
respective countries had such policies in place. The responses included the
United Kingdom, Nigeria, Eswatini, and Kenya. |
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ADDRESSING
AGEING WITH DIGNITY IN AFRICA |
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Dr.
Emem Omokaro discussed the challenges of ageing with dignity in Africa,
emphasizing the importance of social care and support systems for older
persons. She highlighted the rapid growth of the older population in Africa,
with a projected 110 million by 2023, and the increase in life expectancy
from 51.7 years to 62.4 years between 2015 and 2020. Emem pointed out that
ageing with dignity is threatened by ageism, negative stereotypes, and
prejudices against older persons. She also noted that the African continent
has acceded to the UN principles on ageing, the Madrid International Plan of
Action on Aging, and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of
Human and People's Rights and Rights of Older Persons. Emem expressed
optimism about the implementation of the Protocol, which kicked into force on
October 4th, with 15 Member States having ratified it. |
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STRENGTHENING
CARE AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN AFRICA |
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Emem
discussed the importance of strengthening care and support systems in Africa,
particularly in Nigeria. She highlighted the need to integrate informal and
formal care systems, map available care systems, and develop culturally
sustainable care systems. Emem emphasized the importance of legislation and
policy frameworks to support these efforts, and the need for data and human
resource development. Emem concluded by stating that Nigeria is in a position
to strengthen care and social support systems, citing the country's
population and the need for assistance with activities of daily living among
older persons. |
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NATIONAL
OCCUPATIONAL STANDARD FOR CAREGIVERS IN NIGERIA |
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The
DG narrowed in the development and implementation of a national occupational
standard for caregivers in Nigeria. This standard was integrated into the
Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework and is now recognized as a skill.
Emem also mentioned the establishment of a Geriatric Social Care Skills
Council, which is a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary stakeholder body led
by the private sector. The council's purview includes standard setting,
identifying skills gaps, and more. Emem also highlighted the importance of
training providers, being accredited and having certified quality assurance
assessors. Furthermore, Emem mentioned the publication of policy guidelines
and standard operating procedures for facilities, as well as the integration
of care of older persons into the Federal Government's employment scheme.
Lastly, Emem discussed the advocacy for recognizing care of older persons as
social assistance and the potential for integrating care insurance into the
existing systems. |
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ADDRESSING
CARE NEEDS OF OLDER PERSONS IN AFRICA |
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Dr.
Omokaro discussed the importance of caring for older people, emphasizing the
need for policies and plans of action to address their needs. She highlighted
the significant number of older people in Africa, with over 110 million, and
the need for sustainable national studies. Emem also mentioned the importance
of recognizing caregivers and integrating informal and formal care systems.
In
his contribution, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje from Afrihealth Optonet Association
(AHOA) agreed with Dr. Emem's points and added that many countries in Africa
have policies in place, but some are not yet implemented. He also mentioned
the need for public-private partnerships in care provision and the importance
of legal frameworks and awareness creation. Adirieje emphasized the
importance of creating awareness, providing knowledge and promoting capacity
on how to integrate informal care systems into formal ones, with James
expressing concern about the lack of integration and the need for more work
at the state level. |
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ADDRESSING
CAREGIVING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES |
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In
her response to questions and comments by participants, the guest speaker and
DG of NSCC also discussed challenges faced by informal caregivers, such as
lack of skills and cultural biases against older adults, and the need to
formalize caregiving. She proposed developing a national occupational
standard for caregiving levels, establishing caregiving centers across
states, and promoting domiciliary care agencies in communities. Emem also
emphasized identifying care needs of older persons, creating referral systems
to healthcare facilities, and exploring social assistance and capitation fee
payment options for those unable to afford caregiving services. Kola
expressed interest in partnering with AHOA for elderly care advocacy and
disaster management efforts. |
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PARTNERSHIPS,
TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION IN NIGERIA |
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Dr.
Omokaro emphasized the significance of partnerships, particularly in community
health and medical outreach, and the need for religious and traditional
systems to contribute. Dr. Uzodinma shared audience comments, including
requests for certification and training, and the integration of services into
daily activities. Emem clarified the retirement age in Nigeria, which is
currently 60 but is being reconciled with the National Senior Citizen Center
Act's 70 years retirement age. She also discussed ongoing training and
certification processes for quality assurance assessors and learners at state
and federal universities, as well as the development of policy guidelines,
national benchmarks, and minimum standards for various facilities. Emem noted
the establishment of a multi-sectoral council, led by the private sector, to
oversee accreditation and licensing, with NSCC serving as the awarding body
in collaboration with the National Board for technical Education (NBTE) for
certification. |
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INTEGRATING
TECHNOLOGY FOR ELDERLY EMPOWERMENT |
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Molly Sobola from
the United Kingdom hinted on the importance of integrating technology to
improve the lives of older people. Emem, representing the National Senior
Citizens Commission (NSCC), highlighted their work in advocating for the
rights of older persons and empowering them through work schemes. She also
mentioned their partnership with private sector organizations to provide
health promotion and nutrition classes. The discussion also touched on the
role of technology in training and apprenticeship programs for older people,
and the need to partner with NSCC to push for insurance for older people. |
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CLOSING
The conversation ended with Dr.
Adirieje thanking the guest speaker and the participants for their
contributions.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
CEO/Programmes Director
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dr.
Uzodinma Adirieje, CMC, CMTF, FIMC, FIMS, FNAE, FASI,
FSEE, FAHOA
Health Economist; Certified Evaluation
and Projects/Programmes Management Consultant; Conferences and Workshops
Organizing Expert; Researcher; Health/Development, Climate Change/Biodiversity
and Human Rights Advocate; Facilitator/Trainer; Blogger; Writer/Columnist
CEO & Permanent Representative to the
United Nations,
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) -
CSOs Global Network and Think-tank for Health, Climate Actions and
Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion
Award). <https://druzodinmadirieje.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association.html>
National Chairman, Civil Society Partnership for
Sustainable Development in Nigeria (CSPDN)
Plot 520, FHA Estate, Lugbe, Airport
Rd; P.O. Box 8880, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria
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