Pakistan
For the last five years, we have worked with partner Merlin International to help older people recover from the impact of the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir.
Together we have worked in 17 health centres in conflict zones to provide round-the-clock care for around 200,000 people, with a special focus on older people's needs. We also train government and NGO staff on older people's health issues.
We fund eye tests and cataract surgery for thousands of older people each year, improving their quality of life through better sight.
Our relationship with Merlin allowed us to respond quickly to the catastrophic Pakistan floods which struck the country in July.
Our specialist health workers are currently working with Merlin's mobile medical teams in Nowshera giving free consultations, counselling, health education and medication to older people affected by the disaster.
We have also distributed personal kits, which contain useful items such as clothing, a torch, bedding and food.
The difference we made in 2009-10
- We have given free eye tests to over 5,000 older people in and around Karachi.
- 500 older people have had their sight restored, thanks to the cataract surgery we've provided.
- We distributed more than 1,200 personal kits to older people in Nowshera affected by the floods.
What next?
We now aim to help around 20,000 more older people by:
- restoring the sight of 200 older people through cataract surgery
- training at least 200 community workers in ageing and health issues
- providing healthcare to more older people in the conflict zone of the North West Frontier Province.
Our partners
Pakistan Medico International, Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)