The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on everyone to help older people realise their human rights and living with dignity as countries battle to curb the spread of Covid-19.

It is understood that more than 17,000 people aged over 55 years have lost their lives in Africa due to the pandemic.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, while speaking on the International Day of Older Persons, said, ‘Our elders provide us with love and care, and are a source of wisdom and talent, influencing who we are and who we aspire to be. Together we have a duty to support older people in realizing their human rights and living with dignity’.

He also said, ‘To address the disproportionate burden of Covid-19 on older people, we must all play a role in shielding our elders, including by practising the preventive measures of wearing masks, keeping a physical distance and frequently washing our hands.

‘With restrictions on movement and gathering, social isolation of older people is also a concern.

‘We can contribute to addressing this by picking up the phone to call our senior relatives and offering to assist older people in our communities or keep them company’.

Source: THISDAY

Photo source: WHO/Pierre Virot