News

International jury selects only global NGO with singular focus on improving the lives of the world's fastest growing population—older people

Older people across the world will come together this week to mark World Health Day on 7 April. As part of our global campaign, Age Demands Action on Health, they will call on their governments to address the health challenges of an ageing world.

For the first time in 60 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) will put global ageing first on 7 April, World Health Day. Today's global launch comes as leading commentators across the sector warn that population ageing will hamper hard fought achievements in socioeconomic and human development if action is not taken.

A new paper by The World Economic Forum advocates “a new social contract based on a new economic model, which places equal emphasis on growth, employment and social protection”.

A crisis is affecting the Sahel region of West Africa. Up to 12 million people in Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso are affected.

HelpAge International, the only global organisation with a singular focus on providing assistance to and advocating for disadvantaged older people, has been selected to receive the 2012 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million. The Prize will be presented at the Global Philanthropy Forum on April 16 in Washington, D.C.

This International Women’s Day, HelpAge International is delighted to be the proud recipient of the 2012 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of US$1.5 million. The award is the world’s largest humanitarian prize, and is presented each year to an organisation that has delivered extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering.

A new study by HelpAge International and Handicap International has found a significant disparity between the needs of older people and people with disabilities and the level of humanitarian assistance delivered to meet their needs.

A new study by HelpAge International and Handicap International has found a significant disparity between the needs of older people and people with disabilities and the level of humanitarian assistance delivered to meet their needs.

On 2 February, Senator Nènel Cassis, Commission of Agriculture Haiti, introduced a bill on “Social Security for Haitian Agricultural Communities" in the Senate. The bill will identify people working in agriculture and those identified will receive free access to healthcare. Older people and other vulnerable groups identified will also receive a pension.

We are reporting from the World Economic Forum this week where HelpAge CEO, Richard Blewitt, will be addressing the issue of global ageing and rights of older people at two sessions.

Over three million people, including 200,000 older people were affected by the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010. However, two years later and despite the huge efforts from various actors, the lives of thousands of older Haitians have not improved.