Launch of the National Conference to Enhance Elderly Care Services in Palestine
Under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Health, Dr. Majed Abu Ramadan, and H.E. the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, Juzoor for Health and Social Development launched the National Conference to Enhance Elderly Care Services in Palestine under the title “For Dignity and Community Participation.” The conference was organized in partnership with the two ministries and with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Caritas Germany, and was attended by approximately 120 participants representing ministries, national institutions, civil society organizations, associations specialized in elderly care, international partners, and media representatives.
The conference aimed to shed light on the situation of older persons in Palestine, promote the concept of healthy ageing, safeguard their dignity, and improve their access to comprehensive and equitable health and social services. It also included the presentation of national studies, discussions on related policies and challenges, and the highlighting of leading community-based practices in this field.
The conference opened with remarks emphasizing the importance of integrated national efforts to advance elderly care services. Dr. Umayya Al-Khamash, Director General of Juzoor, stressed the need to develop responsive policies that guarantee the rights and dignity of older persons in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening social protection for this group. Mr. Shrutidhar Tripathi, Deputy Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator at UNFPA, highlighted the Fund’s support for national efforts to promote healthy ageing, while H.E. the Minister of Health outlined the Ministry’s role and directions toward further integrating elderly issues into the priorities of the Palestinian health system.
The conference also featured presentations of studies on the status of ageing in Palestine and indicators related to access to care and social inclusion. Panel discussions addressed the health and social needs of older persons, including the impact of the war on older persons in Gaza and the consequences of the ongoing escalation in the West Bank, particularly in terms of disrupted services and limited access to care. Legal experts reviewed the legal framework governing elderly care and the existing legislative gaps, while the Ministry of Local Government and municipalities presented practical models for the care and social inclusion of older persons. The conference further amplified the voices of older persons themselves, with participation from residents of the Arab Women’s Union in Al-Bireh who shared their concerns and demands.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a set of practical recommendations and the announcement of the activation of the Healthy Ageing Forum as a coordination platform bringing together Juzoor, the relevant ministries, and partners to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations and strengthen joint action, contributing to ensuring a dignified and secure life for older persons in Palestine.
