Help to the Ageing Foundation (HAF) in continuation of its welfare support programme and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided food items and healthcare services to the elderly and vulnerable persons in Abule-Ijoko, Ogun State.
It said the relief was done to fill the gaps in the care of the elderly through the provision of the much-needed support to the aged especially at this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the outreach done under strict COVID-19 guidance, Jumoke Kolawole, HAF founder, said the crisis induced by the pandemic which has plunged countless families into significant debts due to job losses and business closure necessitated the need for the outreach to bring stability into the lives of those reached.
Over 30 elderly beneficiaries were reached with free health care services, medical counseling with tests, treatments and drug provision, foodstuffs, and business grants to support their trade and also sensitization against the dangers of contracting the Covid-19 virus.
The focus on the elderly, according to Kolawole was due to the way most of them are left alone, deserted by their relatives which is not good for any society that values development in all facets of human endeavours, hence why they decided to pull resources together and cater to them.
Kolawole, who has been doing the outreach for more than five years, said HAF was birthed by the burning desire to care for, love, and support the elderly by providing life-enhancing services to them across remote communities in the country.
‘’We have four core initiatives: weekly food serving; business advisory and start-up opportunities; routine medical check-up; and providing friendship and companionship for older people,’’ she added.
The HAF team at Abule-Ijoko comprised medical volunteers-doctors, nurses, ophthalmologists, pharmacists, and other team members, a feat Kolawole attributed to their collective desire in impacting the society.
She said the life-changing support that was provided to the elderly beneficiaries was crucial but the need is still urgent for countless additional deprived elderly people who remain without income and basic amenities. She thus urged the government, private sector, and well-meaning individuals to join in reaching more vulnerable individuals.
