Myanmar

Since 2003, we have worked with local partners to:

  • train volunteers and relatives to care for older people in their own homes
  • set up community groups for older people
  • support older people and their families in emergencies
  • draft a National Action Plan on Aging to put older people's needs at the heart of government policy.

After Cyclone Nargis in 2008, we gave out essentials such as food and medicine through Mobile Medical Units. We gave food aid to 11,770 families for one month after the cyclone and 1,951 families for five months after the cyclone. We were one of the first agencies to put boots on the ground and since then, we continue to have a direct presence in the country. At the invitation of the Department of Social Welfare, we are taking a lead on drafting a National Plan of Action on Aging.

The difference we made in 2010-2011

  • We supported the formation of 25 village committees that are managing revolving funds that have allowed almost 2,400 households to increase their income through investment in farming, livestock, fishing and small business
  • We provided almost 2,000 people with business and vocational training.
  • Our older people's self-help groups initiated income-generating ventures such as electricity generation and low cost transport, which have benefited more than 9,000 family members in 30 villages.
  • We provided more than 1,200 older people with health care training, health care services and treatment, cataract surgery and regular medical check-ups.

What next?

  • We will support 5,000 of the poorest and most marginalised older people and other vulnerable households to achieve sustainable food and income security.
  • We will work with the Department of Social Welfare and key groups to develop a strategy to replicate our successful model of community self-help groups.
  • We will help and support national and regional government bodies and local NGOs to work on aging issues.

Our partners

National YMCA, Network Activities Group, Ever Green Group, Action Aid Myanmar, The Leprosy Mission International, Golden Plains, HelpAge Korea, Department of Social Welfare, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

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