A new study by HelpAge International in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Zanzibar, has found that a universal pension would be both affordable and easy for the government to implement.

The report, Social Protection Policy: Responses to people's needs in Zanzibar, was launched on 24 November 2009. It is based on research into social protection policy options in Zanzibar, conducted earlier this year.

Increase to reflect cost of living

150 people attended the launch, including The President of Zanzibar, the Hon Amani Abeid Karume. Other participants were Government Ministers, permanent secretaries, older people, civil society representatives and the media.

The President of Zanzibar said he accepted the provision of universal pension to all older people in principal. He added that relevant ministries should act on the report’s recommendation to investigate extended pensions coverage for all older people.

In the meantime, he said, the government should increase in the current vulnerability grant given for older people to reflect the rising cost of living.

HelpAge International’s African Regional Representative, Nesta Hatendi was at the meeting. She said:

“Older people have very little income security and many are dying from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. 28-year-old men and women of today will be 70 in 2050. We need to take appropriate measures and decisions now to meet the needs of the senior citizens of the future.”

HelpAge’s Tanzania Programme Director Nicodimus Chipfupa and Social Protection Programme Manager. Smart Daniel were also at the meeting.

HelpAge will continue to work with the Government in Zanzibar to explore options for extending pensions coverage and increasing the amount of cash that older people receive through the vulnerability grant.

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