Myanmar
We have been working actively in Myanmar with local partners since 2003, beginning by implementing a programme to care for frail older people at home.
After Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in 2008, we were one of the first agencies to put boots on the ground and since then, we have maintained a direct presence in the country.
HelpAge works with relevant ministries and other agencies on ageing issues.
We are also, at the invitation of the Department of Social Welfare, taking a lead on drafting a National Plan of Action on Ageing, and working with a consortium of agencies to restore, improve and build sustainable livelihoods in poor villages.
Life story: U San Nyunt, 68
U San Nyunt was blind but can now see thanks to eye surgery through HelpAge.
HelpAge International 2011
U San Nyunt, 68, lives in Mandalay. He was injured in a car accident in October 1999, suffering severe injuries to his face and eventually went almost blind.
In 2009, HelpAge International in Myanmar helped establish an older person's self-help group in U San Nyunt's village. Through the group he got an opportunity for free eye surgery, which restored his sight.
He says: "The things that my children could not offer me have been fulfilled by HelpAge and I'm very grateful. Now, I can see clearly. I'm very happy. Such opportunity was the first I have enjoyed in my life.
"The group helps older people in livelihood activities and thanks to one such venture, our village now enjoys electricity. Older people previously stayed home by themselves but now we meet monthly and have face-to-face conversations. And common illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be monitored because of complimentary blood pressure checks.
"Now, I enjoy better feelings than I've ever enjoyed before in my life. HelpAge saved me from the life of a blind and handicapped person."
The difference we made in 2010-11
- We supported the formation of 25 village committees that are managing revolving funds that have allowed almost 2,400 households to increase their income through investment in farming, livestock, fishing and small business
- We provided almost 2,000 people with business and vocational training.
- Our older people's self-help groups initiated income-generating ventures such as electricity generation and low cost transport, which have benefited more than 9,000 family members in 30 villages.
- We provided more than 1,200 older people with health care training, health care services and treatment, cataract surgery and regular medical check-ups.
What next?
- We will provide technical support to the Department of Social Welfare as it finalises the National Plan of Action on Ageing.
- We will support 5,000 of the poorest and most marginalised older people and other vulnerable households to achieve sustainable food and income security.
- We will work with the Department of Social Welfare and key groups to develop a strategy to replicate our successful model of community self-help groups.
- We will help and support national and regional government bodies and local NGOs to work on ageing issues.
See the innovative way HelpAge reached older people after Cyclone Nargis
Our partners
National YMCA, Network Activities Group, Golden Plain, UNFPA, UNDP, UNOCHA, Action Aid Myanmar, The Leprosy Mission International, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, Resettlement, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Our donors
European Union, DFID, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Sponsor a Grandparent, LIFT multi-donor trust fund.
