By Luckia Akim

Zomba, July 6, Mana: Malawi Network of Older Persons (MANEPO) has said there was need for the country to make deliberate efforts towards the support of the elderly during emergencies.

Speaking on Friday during World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day at Gymkhana Club in Zomba, Manepo Executive Director, Andrew Kavala said experience has shown that during disasters, the elderly are not given the necessary support and that there are no proper emergency interventions.

He said older persons just like any other person have the right to equal treatment and support and that the senior citizens deserve maximum care.

“MANEPO’s core duty is to advocate for the rights of the elderly and ensure that they are living in a conducive environment. This is why we always make noise and strongly speak for change,” Kavala said.

He described the Day which is commemorated on June 15 as crucial since it aims at highlighting the plight of elderly persons and the challenges they face in their daily life.

The Executive Director said the day provides an opportunity for players involved in the fight for the rights of the elderly to measure their contributions while strategizing on how best to safeguard their rights.

“World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day is organized to look at the key issues older people face and what needs to be done to ensure they are living in a peaceful environment,” he said.

Kavala expressed gratitude to the media for creating a safe environment for older persons through their reports and appealed for continuation of such commendable support.

He disclosed that from January, 2024, 68 cases of abuse and 13 murders of older persons have been registered mostly due to witchcraft accusations.

The Director noted that the trend was worrisome and that it calls for collaborated efforts.

Assistant Superintendent of Police for Zomba Police Station, Victim Support Unit, Nickson Chibondo said the Police implemented the Witchcraft Act to protect older persons, raise awareness and respond to attacks.

He said people must report any abuse that the elderly were going through in their respective localities.

Group Village Head (GVH), Lovemore Mtawira said community leaders have the role to promote and protect the rights of older persons.

Cecilia Kalimbuka, a survivor of elderly abuse, shared her story of being accused of witchcraft and facing domestic abuse after her husband's death.

“When my husband had passed away, my children constantly pressured me to leave on the grounds that I am a witch. I feel trapped and scared and there are many others in a situation similar to mine,” she retorted.