The Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (MANEPO) emphasizes the need for health services to be more accessible to older individuals in order to improve their quality of life.

This priority is at the heart of the organization’s BMZ Project, which aims to provide age-appropriate and integrated healthcare to older men and women in Zomba, Balaka, and Machinga districts, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

BMZ Project Manager Maria Masiye explains that healthcare workers, health surveillance assistants, and community volunteers have already been trained to improve health monitoring, including regular blood pressure checks for older individuals.

Masiye adds that through the promotion of inclusive healthcare policies, the creation of community-based support networks, and a focus on the unique health needs of older people, the project is improving healthcare access and quality. These efforts contribute to helping older individuals live happier and healthier lives.

One of the key challenges addressed by the project is the difficulty many older individuals face in accessing health services due to long travel distances to healthcare facilities.

Launched in 2023, the BMZ project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through HelpAge Germany.