Publications

We offer an extensive collection encompassing decades of experience. Dive into our vast library and download free publications on ageing and older people.

COVID-19 Rapid Needs Assessments – Mozambique

Mozambique mounted its response to COVID-19 whilst grappling with growing armed conflict in the north of the country and attempting to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in March 2019. While confirmed cases remain comparatively low, the economic and social fallout of COVID-19, coupled with these pre-existing vulnerabilities, has severely impacted older people in the country. HelpAge undertook this assessment in May 2020 in four provinces, working through local partners ACIDECO, APITE, ASADEC and Vukoxa.

Seven principles for a rights-based public health response to COVID-19

Responses to COVID-19 are an opportunity to protect the lives, dignity and well-being of everyone, everywhere. Human rights provide a framework to strengthen the effectiveness of these responses and can help us assess whether public health measures are appropriate or not. Here are seven principles you can use to assess whether public health measures being suggested or used respect the rights of older people.

COVID-19 Rapid Needs Assessment – Uganda

Uganda has experienced a rapidly changing COVID-19 situation since the virus reached the country in March. The virus initially developed in urban areas and more recently has spread into several rural communities. As of August 26th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases and death from COVID-19 was 2,426 and 22, respectively. Unfortunately, the government does not disaggregate its data by age and gender so a contextual examination of the effect of COVID-19 on the population groups is not available.

COVID-19 Rapid Needs Assessment – Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause unprecedented socio-economic and health challenges in Zimbabwe. As of the 3rd of August, Zimbabwe had recorded 4,705 COVID-19 cases, 80 deaths and 1,057 recoveries.

COVID-19: Rapid Needs Assessment of older people – Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented socio-economic and health challenges for older people in Zimbabwe. The crisis has resulted in the breakdown of an already weakened health sector that lacks sufficient medication and medical staff. Limited testing kits and the porous border with South Africa has meant the number of cases is likely to be far higher than reported. To assess the needs of older people in Zimbabwe in more detail, the Center for Community Development Solutions, with support from HelpAge International, conducted a rapid needs assessment in northern and eastern Zimbabwe in June.

COVID-19: Rapid Needs Assessment of older people – Adjumani Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Older people, especially older refugees, remain one of the most at risk groups in Uganda, both from COVID-19 and from pre-existing risks. Uganda hosts the third-largest refugee population in the world, and the largest in Africa. Therefore, to assess the needs of older refugees, HelpAge International conducted a rapid needs assessment in Adjumani Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda on the border with South Sudan in July.