Everyone’s in World Cup frenzy here in Haiti. Cars display their drivers’ persuasion – the only options apparently being Argentina or Brazil. Every little roadside shop and café has the sports channel on, and the streets clear and traffic is non-existent when either team are playing.
So we jumped at the chance to have a HelpAge public service announcements broadcast during the transmissions of the World Cup matches. The TV spots are alerting people to the needs of older people in emergencies, particularly in hurricanes. The messages are broadcast in Creole but the English translation goes something like this:
“Please don’t forget older people”
“Seniors are the memory of our country. So they need protection. In our efforts to protect people’s lives when the floods, hurricanes – or other disasters come – please don’t forget older people. Some older people have sight or hearing problems, some walk with difficulty. Some are looking after small children. They may need assistance.
“In the event of an emergency, help them secure their medication and important papers. Take them with you as you move to temporary shelter. Give them priority in queues. Give them the attention they deserve.”
This awareness-raising is a core part of our work here. It’s fantastic to know that millions of viewers will get to see our messages.
Read more about HelpAge’s work in Haiti.