News

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.

Over 200,000 older people were directly affected by the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010. Since then, HelpAge International has delivered aid to 25,000 older Haitians whose lives were shattered by the earthquake.

Today's announcement that 1.3 million people have been helped, just six months after DEC member agencies launched an appeal for East Africa, is testament to the generosity of everyone who contributed to the £75 million raised for life-saving aid.

HelpAge International is working to help 2,500 older people and their families affected by the Thailand floods. The worst floods in five decades have affected over four million households and 13.5 million people.

To mark World AIDS Day this year, HelpAge organised a conference on HIV and Ageing in Africa on 2 and 3 December in Ethiopia. Organised in partnership with UNAIDS, WHO and the University of Sydney, it was held before the official ICASA 2011 conference.

To mark World AIDS Day, HelpAge International is hosting a two-day conference, "HIV and Ageing in Africa" in Ethiopia in partnership with UNAIDS, WHO and the University of Sydney.

The Thailand floods have left thousands of older people stranded at home.

As world population reaches seven billion (31 October), HelpAge International applaud the United Nations Population Fund, (State of the World Population, 2011) for dispelling harmful myths about ageing.

As Thailand starts a three day public holiday (27 – 30 October) across Bangkok and flood-affected regions, HelpAge International is increasingly anxious not enough is being done to deliver care for thousands of older, vulnerable people at risk from worsening floods.

Richard Blewitt, CEO, HelpAge International: “Today’s report by the ILO and Michelle Bachelet should be celebrated for providing progressive recommendations ahead of the G20, and offering a sustainable solution to the financial crisis and rising poverty, which benefits both developed and developing countries."

The worst floods in five decades have devastated one third of Thailand´s provinces since July and have killed almost 400 people.