MLSD Minister heads the National Committee for the Elderly
06-01-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, chaired the Committee’s second meeting following its restructuring under Resolution No. 18 of 2018, issued by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him and grant him long life, which includes representatives of the relevant governmental and non‑governmental bodies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting discussed the initial vision for convening a social and health conference for senior citizens; reviewed the results of the health‑awareness campaign conducted at day‑care centres and parents’ clubs; and surveyed Bahrain’s achievements in ensuring seniors’ quality of life and drawing on their expertise for the benefit of society. It also addressed strengthening the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s co‑operation with concerned entities to develop mechanisms and programmes specifically serving senior citizens. His Excellency affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, through its ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector, is keen to provide the best services and means of care for senior citizens, alongside comprehensive social, health, legal and rehabilitation programmes to ensure them a dignified life. He noted that the Ministry has adopted an ambitious plan to enhance services directed to this group, in parallel with increasing the number of day‑care homes and parents’ clubs, whose management is entrusted to civil society organisations. This reflects full confidence in community partnership with civil institutions, and reinforces the integration of senior citizens into society and their participation in its various initiatives, as a key element in family building and a pillar of social stability in the Bahraini family. Minister Humaidan stated that the Kingdom continues to safeguard seniors’ rights and consolidate their gains. The National Committee for the Elderly is likewise proceeding with implementation of the National Strategy for Senior Citizens and with the co‑ordination of efforts in this field. Foremost among its priorities are improving seniors’ quality of life, ensuring their integration and participation in society, and maximising the economic and social returns from their accumulated expertise, through numerous programmes and activities across sectors and in co‑operation with all relevant parties.