The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) agreed in Spain in 2002, recognises that older people everywhere have a right to participate fully in and benefit from development processes.

In many African countries, ageing is not taken into consideration in key policies and processes. This exclusion of older people must be addressed if their needs are to be met adequately.

As a signatory of MIPAA, the Ugandan Government is acting on its commitment to the Plan. In 2003, the Government, in collaboration with HelpAge International and with support from Rockfeller Foundation, embarked on a pilot programme to address issues affecting older people through Uganda’s poverty, nutrition and health policies.

Aims

The project set out to address the health and nutritional needs of older people in Uganda, by mainstreaming ageing issues into the relevant government policies.

Activities

A working group made up of members from various government ministries, HelpAge International and affiliate Uganda Reach the Aged Association (URAA), was set up to oversee the process.

A local partner NGO, Mbarara Aged People's Association, linked the group with older people in the community, carried out a household survey and held discussions with local authorities in Mbarara District.

HelpAge International and URAA consulted with government officials. The Ministry of Health played a key part in lobbying the support of other strategic ministries.

Activities included:

• Workshops and meetings with the working group and various key stakeholders from Government, media and other NGOs.
• A review of key policy documents to identify gaps and opportunities for mainstreaming older people into policies.
• An assessment of the food security and health status of older people, their level of participation in development programmes and their access to public services. This took place in six districts - Bundubudyo, Mukono, Gulu, Pallisa, Mbarara and Kalanga.
• A household survey was undertaken to assess the socio-economic status, health and access to services of older people.
• Participation of older people in the programme by advocating their inclusion in health and nutrition policies and interventions.
• Interviews with key implementers of Uganda’s poverty eradication strategy to assess the extent to which they address the health and nutrition needs of older people.
• Dissemination of programme findings and recommendations at district, national and regional levels in various workshops and events, publications and the media

The findings from the baseline survey and assessment were used to inform and influence change in the various draft policies then under review.

Achievements

• Issues affecting older people were included in key government policies and plans such as the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (2004 - 2007), The Ministry of Health Sector Strategic Plan and the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture, the Uganda National Aids Policy
• The programme went beyond the intial scope of advocating the inclusion of older people in health and nutrition policies. Their concerns are now factored into Uganda's poverty eradication action plan and the agriculture, sanitation and water sector plans.
• Increased awareness of issues affecting older people in Uganda among stakeholders.
• Increased capacity of older people’s organisations to take action on ageing issues.