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.
The difference we made in 2009-10
- After Cyclone Nargis, 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 also formed 20 community groups which have restored the livelihoods of 570 older people, repaired 1,458 shelters and built 250 houses.
- We also supported a project to provide work and shelter in 51 villages in Bogale township.
What next?
- We will develop community groups in a further 30 villages.
- We will restore job and food security to 2,161 more older people affected by Cyclone Nargis, as well as to vulnerable families in 25 more villages.
- We will assess the health needs of older people in 20 villages. Based on the findings we will train the community and the township medial office to better address the needs of older people.
- We will also start Mobile Medical Units in 20 villages from July. We will build our policy work by sharing information and developing our relationships with the government and other NGOs.
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)