January 25, 2015

Member Spotlight: Service Delivery in Cameroon

BY GlobalAgeing

IAHSA member Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance (CDVTA), founded in 1998, delivers services to the most vulnerable older persons in rural communities in northwest Cameroon where elderly face poverty, limited health care, inadequate housing and neglect. They are often the primary caregivers for grandchildren and other family members and are looked to for financial and other support. CDVTA adopted a two pronged approach: active social clubs supported by volunteers reduced the sense of isolation among older people and a rights-based advocacy effort to ensure older people received the services they needed. CDVTA Director Francis Njuakom noted, “the project outcomes were inspiring, supportive, exceptional, innovative and enhanced elderly locally-led sustainable development.”