Nepal performs poorly in elder abuse awareness with most incidents unreported

Last week, the Ministry of Health and Population started another round of Covid-19 vaccination for senior citizens of the age group of 60-64 years across the country. However, the vaccines sent to the districts and local units for the senior citizens have been reportedly misused by local leaders and they were found distributing them among themselves, their family members, relatives, cadres of political parties and civil servants in different places inside and outside the Kathmandu valley, violating the government’s criteria. This has apparently deprived many senior citizens who are at greater risk of getting vaccinated against the coronavirus infection.

Such concerning reports come just days before the world celebrates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (on Tuesday). But, more concerning are claims of senior citizen right activists and other stakeholders who say different forms of abuse are an everyday affair for the elderly in Nepal.