Mr Hanslall Seebaruth, lives in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius and previously worked in the Judicial Department of Mauritius and Supreme Court. Today, he is proud to be President of the Senior Citizens Council, which represents over 260 000 older Mauritians.
“Us older people in Mauritius know we face physical and mental health challenges as we age. Some common problems are diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, poor hearing and eyesight, reduced mobility, and dementia. As senior citizens in Mauritius, we feel our health and social care needs are understood and taken care of through a holistic approach.”
Over the past few decades, Mauritius’ population has aged rapidly. In 2000, 9% of people were aged 60 and above. By 2021 this had more than doubled to 18.7%. In 2061, older people are predicted to comprise 36.5% of the population. This population shift requires the health system to adapt to the needs of older people, particularly to promote wellbeing, prevent ill-health, and ensure early diagnosis and care.
The Government of Mauritius, with technical support and guidance from WHO, aims to better meet the needs of its older population by adopting a holistic and person-centred approach at the primary health care (PHC) level.
Access to quality primary health care services for all older people
On 23 March 2023, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
launched the country’s first National Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Strategic and Action Plan (2023-2026), developed with WHO support, to promote healthy ageing.
“ICOPE is a multi-stakeholder initiative to address the health and social care challenges of an ageing population. It emphasizes a person-centred approach, focusing on maintaining autonomy through older age, coordination of health and social care, and strengthening the PHC system around older people’s needs,” said Dr Shiv Seegobin, Director, Medical Unit, MSISSNS, and National Focal Person for ICOPE.
The ambitious and far-reaching ICOPE strategic and action plan to deliver integrated care for older people has 7 key objectives, with 55 activities due to take place over the next 3 years, many of which are already underway.
Activities so far include national campaigns and television broadcasts to raise awareness of health issues, systematic and early screening for physical and mental impairments and referrals to services aiming to reach all 260 000 older Mauritians, improvement of essential infrastructure such as four new dementia clinics, and training of the health and care workforce.
“The Government of Mauritius is strongly committed to providing senior Mauritian citizens with holistic, person-centred care, using the proactive approach recommended in the WHO Integrated Care for Older People approach, to optimize autonomy and quality of life throughout the ageing process,” said Dr The Honourable Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Republic of Mauritius.
Screening for all older people
As a pilot project, 1 000 older people were screened to identify signs of physical and mental decline and referred those in needs for timely care. The aim is to target screening for all older people in Mauritius in the next 2 years.
Mr Marie Mio, a resident of Mauritius. Photo by WHO/Blink Media - Gilliane Soupe
“As a senior citizen I have always been very active in all senses of the word. I believe in living life to the fullest. With the introduction of ICOPE screening and the broad range of activities, I feel empowered health-wise and socially to continue living life to the fullest, with regular, comprehensive care assessments and a personalised plan,” said Mr Goundan, local representative of the Senior Citizens Council.
"The protection, health and welfare of our seniors is one of our top priorities. Through the ICOPE approach, we are responding; to the needs of our older people and enhancing health and social care systems,” said Hon. Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, GCSK, Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (MSISSNS).
With support from the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Partnership, WHO provides a technical focal point for ICOPE, in coordination with the Government, to help implement ICOPE.
The UHC Partnership assists over 125 countries in accelerating progress to achieve UHC through funding provided by the European Union (EU), the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Irish Aid, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Government of Japan - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the United Kingdom - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Belgium, Canada and Germany.
“Together, we have a duty to support older people in realising their human rights and living with dignity,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.