PRESENTATION ON THE AGEING POLICY REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES PLANNING AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION ON THE AGEING POLICY DURING THE SOCIAL PROTECTION WEEK HOSTED AT GOVERNMENT COMPLEX BUILDING, 29TH NOVEMBER, 2017 Ageing Policy - Social Protection Week

Presentation Outline Introduction Background Vision Rationale Guiding Principles Policy Objectives Implementation Status of the Policy Challenges Opportunities Conclusion ZAMBIA

Introduction Ageing is an important stage of human development-reflecting body changes; The process of ageing affects everyone; Ageing is a normal process of life; Older Persons have specific needs and concerns which require attention; The basic needs once accessible will enable all of us to enjoy old age; The National Ageing Policy was developed in 2015 to provide guidelines aimed at uplifting the standard of living of Older Persons. ZAMBIA

Background Population ageing has become an issue not only in Zambia but the world over; If population ageing needs are not addressed these will pose challenges; There is need therefore to mainstream ageing into global and national agenda; Challenges facing Older Persons include; Lack of comprehensive social security, lack of decent housing and stigma, the impact of HIV & AIDS; Poverty is more severe in households headed by Older Persons especially in rural areas; inadequate health care - Prone to chronic diseases e.g diabetes, hypertension, poor eye- sight, memory lapses; ZAMBIA

Vision Ageing with Dignity and Security by 2030 ZAMBIA

Rationale The specific needs and concerns of Older Persons require particular attention; Older Persons’ needs are crosscutting; There is, therefore, need to integrate ageing issues into the National Development Agenda The Policy was formulated to help address some of the challenges faced by the Older Persons ZAMBIA

Guiding Principles Participation Right & duty to participate in the economic, social, cultural and political affairs of the nation. Responsibility to share knowledge Dignity, Security and Freedom from exploitation Living in conditions of dignity and security, freedom from marginalization, discrimination, exploitation and abuse Family and Community Care Benefitting from the care, support and protection Partnership in the provision of care with private sector, CSO, CPs, FBOs& Older Persons Associations Availability and Accessibility to food, safe and clean water, sanitation, shelter, clothing, health care, employment opportunities, credit facilities, education and training and life in a safe environment Intergenerational solidarity to enhance cultural, social, economic and traditional values Research, Information and Development: Generation, analysis of data and dissemination of information on ageing should be treated a priority for the Policy to achieve its intended objectives ZAMBIA

Policy Objectives General Objective:- To promote and protect the rights of the ageing population to enable them lead a productive, fulfilled and dignified life Specific Objectives Poverty Employment and Income Security Health, Food and Nutrition Housing, Transport and Living Environments Gender Human Rights Research, Information, Education and Training Family Social Welfare ZAMBIA

Implementation Framework Legal Framework Review existing framework and formulate a comprehensive legal framework on ageing Institutional Arrangement Ministry of Child Development, Mother and Child Health Ministry of Youth and Sport, Ministry of Justice The Judiciary Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Higher Education Ministry of General Education Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Tourism and Arts Ministry of Health Ministry of Local Government and Housing Ministry of Finance ZAMBIA

Implementation Framework Institutional Arrangement Ministry of transport, Works, Supply and Communication Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry of Gender and Child Development Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Ministry of Labour and Social Security Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Co-operating Partners Private Sector NGOs, FBOs and CSOs ZAMBIA

Implementation Status of the Policy- To integrate ageing issues into poverty reduction More older persons have been put on Social Cash Transfer; 89,764 in 2015 and 120,511 in 2016 . An increase of 30,747 FSP; Total No. of Beneficiaries increased from 29, 630 (62.18% were female & 37.82% were male) during the 2015/2016 farming season to 32,300 (62% were female & 38% were male) for the 2016/2017 farming season for all age groups. Disaggregation of information was only by gender, and not by age. Older persons also has had a fair share. Old people’s homes in the country include Maramba Old People’s Home, Matero After Care, Chibolya Old People’s Home and Rufunsa Old People’s Home In the last 2 years, no new old people’s home was established However, funds were released to rehabilitate the Kitchen and Dining room of Matero After Care Old people’s Homes are funded through Grants from the Ministry of Finance ZAMBIA

Implementation Status of the Policy To ensure that Older Persons continue to contribute to national development and that the ageing population has adequate income security in old age Existing laws have been strengthened on separation packages for employees to prevent destitution and non or late payment of separation packages to deserving employees (Social Security reforms targeting retirement); Proposed Social Health Insurance Scheme (proposed legislation); There is a push to extend social security to the informal sector were you find a number of the older Persons; ZAMBIA

Challenges Weak Coordination Mechanisms Lack of structured M & E Framework; No specialized services available for the aged population; Most of the challenges hinge on limited resources for implementing some of the identified activities; ZAMBIA

Opportunities Political Will from Government The Policy itself Identified organizations in the Policy to work with Government Conducive Collaborations amongst key Stakeholders e.g. the CPs, Donors, CSOs & Government etc. 7NDP which identifies Social Protection as one of the Pillars Single Registry ZAMBIA

Conclusion I Thank you for the Attention The future of Older Persons still looks bright There is need to work together as partners in implementing the Ageing Policy. Mid-term Review of the Policy could also be undertaken to take stock of the achievements and be able to prioritise the activities for urgent implementation for the remaining period. I Thank you for the Attention ZAMBIA