1. 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

2. Presentation Outline Introduction Background Vision Rationale
Guiding Principles
Policy Objectives
Implementation Status of the Policy
Challenges
Opportunities
Conclusion
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3. 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.
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4. 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;
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5. Vision
Ageing with Dignity and Security by 2030
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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 and 120,511 in 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
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12. 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;
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13. 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;
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14. 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
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15. 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
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