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Mind the gap: HIV and AIDS and older people in Africa

Older people providing care

Authors: R. Albone; E. Cain
Publisher: HelpAge International, 2008

Full text of document

Large numbers of older people are themselves living with HIV. Many are also taking on vital caring responsibilities for loved ones living with HIV and the children orphaned by AIDS. This briefing from HelpAge International, aimed at the European Union (EU) and member states, highlights the vital support that many older people provide to their children and grandchildren in contexts of HIV. It also cites examples of interventions that have changed the lives of older people and those who depend on them. A number of international policy commitments are outlined which recognise the role of older people in caring for those affected by HIV. These include the 2001 UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS which pledges to adjust and adopt economic and social development policies to address the specific needs of older carers.

The document calls for a major shift in the HIV response to involve and support older people by including them in care and support programmes, and by setting up targeted social protection schemes to respond to the needs of older carers. It calls on the EU and member states to work in partnership with African governments and civil society to develop national HIV and AIDS strategies that are inclusive of older people, and to increase practical support to older people, including those with caring roles. The authors recommend that African governments collect more comprehensive data about older carers, and ensure a more sophisticated analysis and understanding of their role, so that they can be better supported.