The news of Nelson Mandela’s death at the age of 95 has been met the world over with a sense of sadness and loss. It is also, however, a time to reflect on the huge achievements of one of the most remarkable and influential men of the last century.
HelpAge International’s analysis of the latest data from the Philippines suggests that almost two fifths of people killed by Typhoon Haiyan were over the age of 60 - despite the fact that this age group makes up only 8% of the general population in the worst affected areas.
On 1 December, we mark the 25th anniversary of World AIDS Day, an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made this year as well as support the efforts to tackle the HIV epidemic around the world.
HelpAge International has begun a programme of cash payments to Typhoon Haiyan survivors in a number of communities in Sagay City in Negros Occidental so they can buy basic necessities at local markets.
Today, representatives from HelpAge’s EU network are attending the European Development Days (EDDs) in Brussels. This year, the event has a particular focus on the post-2015 agenda – the ongoing process to discuss and agree a single universal framework for sustainable development after 2015.
Today, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed worldwide to raise awareness of the many issues women face. For the first time the urgency of action on violence that women of all ages and abilities suffer in humanitarian context was recognised at a High Level Panel meeting in the UK this month.
The British government has announced that it is giving almost half a million pounds to HelpAge International and its partner COSE (the Coalition of Services of the Elderly) as part of its Rapid Response Fund to help with our work in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a group of 14 UK aid organisations has today said that lifesaving aid is on its way to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan; despite obstacles including impassable roads, closed ports and increasing security concerns.
Leading British charities – including HelpAge International’s sister organisation, Age International – have launched a public fundraising appeal to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
HelpAge International is already on the ground with its local partner, the Coalition of Services of the Elderly COSE, to support older people affected by the trail of devastation across the Philippines. The emergency relief work is funded by HelpAge’s UK partner, Age International, which is also a member of the Age UK network.
Super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), one of the strongest ever recorded, is battering central areas of the Philippines with winds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. Waves 15 metres tall have been seen around the coast, and there has been up to 400 millimetres of rain in some places.
On 1 November, UNAIDS published a landmark report on HIV and ageing. The report provides the first global estimates since 2006 on the number of people aged 50 and over living with HIV and the proportion of all people living with the virus they constitute. The estimates are the first ever regional estimates on number of older people living with HIV.
