Despite passing and enacting a monumental Older Persons Law aimed at protecting the ageing population in Malawi, the lives of the elderly is still risky, observes Deborah Mbale, founder and director of the Mai Mbambande Foundation.

Mai Mbambande Foundation which is in the care of about 90 elderly individuals in Dzama Village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe is concerned over the continued hardships faced by the elderly in Malawi, citing a lack of adequate protection and support.

“We must appreciate the elderly for their contribution to society and ensure they live in dignity. Unfortunately, there is still minimal effort to safeguard their well-being,” Mbale lamented on Monday.

She made the remarks during a visit by CTS Courier Managing Director Jacqueline Bokosi, who chose to commemorate her birthday by spending time with the elderly residents at the foundation.

Speaking at the event, CTS Supervisor Stella Nthanda Kachigamba described the experience as fulfilling, noting that it was an honor to share Bokosi’s special day with the elderly.

“The elderly deserve love and care, and this was a meaningful way to celebrate,” Kachigamba stated.

Mbale has since called on the government and well-wishers to intensify efforts in addressing the challenges facing the elderly, particularly in rural areas where they remain vulnerable to neglect and abuse and target of myths accusing them of practicing witchcraft.

The Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organization (MANEPO) recounts that in 2023, a total of 25 elderly people were killed by similar circumstances, before the law was enacted by President Lazarus Chakwera in June, 2024.

There are approximately one million older people in Malawi, constituting 5.4 percent of the population according to the housing and population census of 2018 conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), a number likely to double as per estimates, highlighting the growing importance of addressing the needs and challenges of the aging population.

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