Executive Summary
“This fourth report to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will outline progress Jamaica has made towards the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and its Regional Implementation Strategy.
The report was informed by data from public consultations during the process to revise the National Policy for Senior Citizens which was undertaken during the period under review. The report is also informed by national and agency reports as well as data collected from key informant interviews with officials in stakeholder entities with responsibility for oversight, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Jamaica has a population of approximately 2.73 million; the elderly population (60+ years) representing 13.9 per cent (375,700) persons.
Notable achievements over the period include:
- The Revision of the National Policy for Senior Citizens
- Establishment of a non-contributory social pension for persons 75 years and older
- Funding under the IDB's “Integrated Support to Jamaica Social Protection Strategy” project in support of training of social workers in gerontology
- “Jamaica Moves” national health promotion campaign for prevention, reduction and management of non-communicable diseases with specific strategies and resources for the elderly
- Pensionable age adjusted to 65 years for both men and women
- Primary Health Care Reform
- Expansion of National Health Fund services to provide drug subsidies for 17 chronic illnesses as well as respiratory devices, diabetic testing supplies and diagnostic tests
- Training to support the ageing population. A new programme – Post Graduate Diploma in Geriatric Medicine being offered at University of the West Indies
- Provisions for special bank accounts to increase access of low income persons to financial services
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity to test the strengths, weaknesses and resilience of our health and social systems. We are encourage by the aforementioned milestones and look forward to the implementation of the Revised National Policy for Senior Citizens in collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve our vision: Senior Citizens live and participate actively in a society that guarantees their rights, promotes their responsibilities, recognizes their capabilities and contributions, and facilitates their enjoyment of a life of fulfillment, health and security.”
FUENTE: Report on implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) and the Regional Implementation Strategy (RIS) in Jamaica 2018 – 2022. Gobierno de Jamaica. Setiembre 2022. Recuperado de: https://conferenciaenvejecimiento.cepal.org/5/es/documentos/jamaica-national-report
Acceda al Informe Nacional del Gobierno de Jamaica aquí