South Asia
HelpAge runs long-established programs in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and smaller projects in Pakistan and Nepal.
We've also recently opened an office in Bangladesh and expanded our emergency work in Pakistan to help older people following the July floods.
HelpAge programs include Sponsor a Grandparent which provides more than 23,000 older people in the region with various benefits including cash transfers, access to health services and support for livelihood activities.
Working mainly through older people's associations, we help older people get jobs, benefits and healthcare. We also work to cut the risks they face when disasters strike.
Where we work in South Asia
We work in the following countries:
The difference we made in 2009-10
- Thanks to our input, 5,000 older people in India now say they have a better income and more reliable sources of food.
- 287 older people's associations have identified healthcare priorities in Bangladesh and will meet local, district and national government officials to discuss how current health policies and services for older people can be improved.
- 3,500 older people have been trained to spot risks, and actively help out, in the event of a natural disaster in Sri Lanka.
What next?
- We will campaign for healthcare, work opportunities and pensions for older people in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
- We will carry out longer-term relief work to help older people in Pakistan affected by this summer's flooding.
- We will strengthen our relationships with key partners so that we can grow our programs and support to older people in South Asia.