HelpAge International supports older people amid COVID-19

In response to the Prime Minister's call for "Together to support the prevention of COVID-19", the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly received the support from HelpAge International in Vietnam valued more than VND 80 million (USD 3.398).
April 17, 2020 | 09:01
helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 British couple and their journey of COVID-19 treatment in Vietnam
helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 Thousands of nCoV-vulnerable prisoners released worldwide
helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 American arrival to be deported for false claiming of Covid-19 infection
helpage international supports older people amid covid 19
HelpAge International supports older people amid COVID-19. Illustrative image. Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn

This amount is to support the older people in the country during COVID-19 pandemic, especially those with pre-existing medical condition, of poor, near-poor, disabled older, etc. in some localities.

Speaking at a ceremony on April 16 in Hanoi, Tran Bich Thuy, Country Director of HelpAge International in Vietnam said: “Older people are already more susceptible to COVID-19 due to their weakened immune system and increased propensity for underlying health conditions. Despite being a high-risk group in the COVID-19 pandemic, the older people also can contribute significantly to the fight against the disease, which the Intergenerational self-help club is an example.”

She called on organizations, donors and government agencies to pay more attention to the needs of the elderly, during and after the pandemic, not only physical, health, but also mentally and psychologically. Currently, HelpAge International is continuing to mobilize more resources to contribute to the Vietnam Association of the Elderly and the Government of Vietnam to support the elderly during and after this difficult period.

Elderly people are most at risk from many aspects of the pandemic caused by the virus. With the aging immune system, the elderly often suffer from pre-existing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer, etc. Caring and supporting the elderly in the context of a pandemic is extremely urgent and important, especially for older people living in such difficult conditions, with little access to food, water and health care, are extremely at risk.

As one of the fastest-aging populations in the world with people over the age of 65 make up 12 per cent of the total population, Vietnam has done a great job in coping with the COVID-19 epidemic, but there are still many challenges ahead in ensuring social security for all, including the elderly, in the context of limited resources, so that no one will be left behind.

HelpAge International is the global network's secretariat for organisation promoting to the right of all older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. The HelpAge International network has grown steadily in size and influence. We now have over 130 network members and many more partners in 80 countries across the world.

HelpAge International has started operating in Vietnam since 1997. By 2011, when Vietnam officially became a country with a rapidly ageing population, the Country Office of HelpAge International in VietNam was established to promote and provide support for our local partner in Vietnam in order to ensure the well-being of Vietnamese older people./.

helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 Vietnamese communities lauded for supporting COVID-19 fight in Russia, Germany

Vietnamese citizens have won widespread praise for supporting the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in Russia and Germany.

helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 More free ‘rice ATMs’ set up in Hue, Da Nang

For these people who are suddenly without income, businessmen and donors in the central city of Hue have set up 'rice ATMs' that dispense free rice in ...

helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 Coronavirus can travel up to 4 metres

A new study by Chinese researchers examining air samples from hospital wards with COVID-19 patients has found the virus can travel up to 4m – twice the ...

helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 Who benefit from the unprecedented US$2.6b support package? [infographics]

Vietnam government has passed a VND62 trillion ($2.6 billion) financial support package for poor people and businesses most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The package, approved ...

helpage international supports older people amid covid 19 Latest news: Age isn't the only risk factor for COVID-19

Age isn't the only risk factor. Data from China shows regardless of age, 40% of people who required critical care had other chronic health problems ...

Hannah Nguyen