By Hajaratu Kalokoh
Sierra Leone is set to have its first policy for the aged, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
The Ministry said the National Ageing Policy, which is geared towards strengthening the provisions under the country’s Social Safety Net Program, is set to be launched by President Julius Maada Bio. It didn’t provide an exact date for the launch.
The Social Safety Net is a program that caters for the aged. It involves the provision of cash support for those eligible under it, especially in rural areas.
According to a thematic report on the elderly by Statistics Sierra Leone, at least 3.5% of the country’s 7.5 million people are 65 years or older. There are no credible data on how much of this aged population are vulnerable.
“We are now developing a National Ageing Policy that will actually go a long way to compliment government’s effort in addressing issues of older people,” said Thomas Kamara, Regional Coordinator West, National Safety Net at the Ministry of Labor.
Officials say the move is part of Sierra Leone’s effort in the fight of ageism, which is discrimination of people on the grounds of their age.
According to Kamara, the formulation of this policy is in line with international instruments like the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the African Union Charter.
“As we speak now the vulnerable aged are receiving Le150, 000. So, it has been increasing from Le100, 000 to Le150, 000.” And also, our area of coverage is nationwide. As recent as two months back, we just concluded payment at Kabala, Karena, Falaba, Kenema, Pujehun Bonthe,” he said.
The cash transfer scheme to the aged, especially the vulnerable, is in line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
In Sierra Leone, the Social Safety Net scheme was set up through a cabinet conclusion in 2004. The program is to ensure that the elderly poor and the most vulnerable population of the society have access to minimum income and other basic services such as food, health, clothing and housing.
The Ministry of Labor have not announced a date for the launch of the policy yet, however officials say they are hoping that it will alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable ageing population.
Concerns for the aged is also a global issue. In 1990 the United Nations General Assembly announced October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. The day is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as elder abuse.
The theme for this year commemoration of the day is: “Journey to Age Equality”
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