Malawi Network of Older Person Organization (MANEPO) expressed commitment to working with the government in strengthening the government system as well as building capacity of government health workers in making sure that older persons are receiving age-appropriate healthcare services.
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MANEPO Executive Director Andrew Kavala made the commitment during the launch of a four-year project. The German Government-funded project will run until December 2026 and will be implemented in Balaka Zomba and Machinga district.
Kavala disclosed that 40 percent of deaths in Malawi are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that mostly affect older people.
He said the project therefore is in response to this problem.
“This is a direct response to the gaps, which we have noted and we want to strengthen the systems and provide training to the clinical officers, nurses and HSAs so that when they are treating older people let them deliver the treatment, which we need,” Kavala said.
Director of Health and Social Services at Machinga District Council, Dr Jones Chise, said they are taking steps to address challenges older people face to access healthcare services.
Among others, Dr. Chise said they are ensuring that elderly persons are not left to stand in the queues when they want to access services.
“Going forward, we will make sure we have special dates and clinics so that we should treat them separately,” he said.
