New research by HelpAge International shows that thousands of internally displaced older people live in relief camps in Darfur without recognition or support of their needs. They face isolation and limited access to food, healthcare, and income-generating activities.

The research shows that an estimated 55,000 older people, the 'invisible vulnerable', are sidelined by most programmes and invisible to the majority of humanitarian organisations.

As the crisis continues with no immediate resolution in sight, the report launched today (26 November 2006), calls for humanitarian organisations to take an intergenerational approach in longer-term emergency programmes to ensure that targeted support reaches vulnerable older people.

The findings of the report reveal:

• 61 per cent are of older people living in camps are affected by illness or chronic disease that needs specialised treatment.

• 40 per cent are at risk of malnutrition.

• 45 per cent do not have adequate shelter.

• 29 per cent are caring for orphans with no visible means of supporting them.

Kaltouma is in her sixties and lives with her family in one of West Darfur's largest camps for internally displaced people. When a HelpAge International worker found her she had a chain tied around her ankle to stop her wandering outside the family shelter. She was suffering from dementia and her family didn't understand her condition or know how to care for her. HelpAge International has helped the family put a care plan together and free her from her chains.

HelpAge International has been working in West Darfur since 2004. The report not only highlights the issues affecting older people but also offers examples of good practice.

HelpAge International has been improving access to health services and reaching the 'invisible vulnerable' through a network of community health workers who carry out door-to-door assessments. The organisation has also launched a system of donkey cart ambulances to ferry those with mobility problems to health centres.

Nutrition centres where older people can go three times a week to share a freshly cooked meal have enabled them to access protein and vitamins missing from their camp diet.

To combat social isolation, HelpAge International has set up social centres for older people to meet, share stories and make traditional handicrafts. HelpAge International also brings together older and younger people at storytelling events to encourage the continuity of traditional roles such as educator and build intergenerational relationships.

Richard Blewitt, HelpAge International's Chief Executive Officer says: "Older people are probably the least visible demographic group in the Darfur conflict. Many humanitarian agencies focus on other vulnerable groups such as children and women, and addressing older people's needs is often not seen as a priority. HelpAge International advocates for more comprehensive responses across the generational divide, which will contribute to rebuilding communities in Darfur."

Note to Editors: 1.HelpAge International is a global network of not-for-profit organisations with a mission to work with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide to achieve a lasting improvement in the quality of their lives. Help the Aged provides funding to HelpAge International, and is a leading partner in this network. For more information log onto www.helpage.org 2. Rebuilding lives in longer-term emergencies, Older people's experience in Darfur, HelpAge International, November 2006.

For further information, case studies and photographs contact Faith Mall Media Officer, HelpAge International (press@helpage.org) Tel +44 207 278 7778 x 286

Spokespersons In Sudan Gina Bramucci, HelpAge International Protection Officer for Darfur protection@helpagesudan.org or by telephone on +44 00 249 91 217 2722 In London: Alex Bush, HelpAge International Assistant Programmes Director abush@helpage.org or by telephone on +44 207 278 7778

Delicio.us  |   Digg  |   NewsVine  |   Reddit