The Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Platform for the Welfare of the Aged (SLPWA) and with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marked the International Day of Older Persons under the theme “Aging with Dignity: Strengthening Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.” The event occurred at the King George VI Memorial Home for the Aged in Grafton, Freetown.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Kabia, Deputy Chief Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Social Welfare, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Mohamed Bah, a healthcare provider for the elderly, and Mrs. Doreen Barrie for their tireless dedication to improving the lives of older people in Sierra Leone. He also commended the residents of the King George home for their resilience and commitment to living healthy lives despite the challenges they face.
Dr. Mohamed Bah, a physician for the elderly, provided an overview of aging in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the need for continued support to institutions like the King George Home. He extended gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, for her unwavering support and to UNFPA for their critical role in helping improve the welfare of older persons in Sierra Leone. Dr. Bah acknowledged UNFPA as the only international organization consistently assisting older people in the country.
The UNFPA Country Representative reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the welfare of the aged, emphasizing that this mission aligns with their broader mandate to reduce poverty and support vulnerable populations. He expressed UNFPA’s readiness to continue partnering with the government to enhance the well-being of older persons.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Aging with Dignity.” She emphasized the need for stronger support systems for older persons and thanked the King George Home for hosting the commemoration. The Minister expressed gratitude to the home’s caretakers, professional staff, including Madam Mariatu Bangura, and other dignitaries present. She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to collaborating with government agencies and international partners to improve the care and support for older persons.
As a gesture of support, the Ministry of Social Welfare donated 50 bags of 10 kg rice and zinc materials to help improve housing conditions at the King George home.
The event concluded with lively entertainment for older people, featuring performances by the Wailers and students from the Milton Margai School for the Blind, who brought back nostalgic sounds from the past to honour older people.
