Abbas lives in a refugee camp
Over the last few years, Somalia has faced a severe drought, the worst in 40 years. Somalia usually has two rainy seasons a year, but since 2022 rainfall has been much lower than usual. The drought crisis has had a severe impact on people’s livelihoods, particularly affecting older people who earned a living as pastoralists and farmers.
“I was displaced from my village to these camps since the drought. We can no longer farm or raise livestock and are now in need of support for food and healthcare.”
“My name is Abbas. I am 75 years old and a father of six. I used to live in a village in the lower Shabelle region of Somalia with my family. We were agro-pastoralists. I used to sell fruit like mangoes and bananas and lived a good life. We were able to provide for our family through farming and raising livestock. However, the current drought forced us to flee our home and seek refuge in this camp.”
“I have been suffering from damaged nerves for six years and cannot walk without crutches or walking sticks.”
The camp where Abbas and his wife now live.
Mental health support
“My wife, Awliyo, has been suffering from mental health problems caused by the stress and frustration of losing her crops. She sometimes talks to herself at night, it has been very hard for her.”
Thankfully, Awliyo has now received much needed support for her mental health. Funding from Age International supporters was used to train Abbas in mental health and well-being so that he can help his wife as well as other older people living in the camp.
Awliyo meeting with HelpAge International staff.
In addition, Abbas has been given cash by HelpAge International, our partner in Ethiopia. He used this to help buy the essentials he needs to survive life in the refugee camps, including a solar torch and water carriers.
Abbas and Awliyo’s story shows just how important it is that older people living through crisis and disaster can get the tailored help and support they need. Together, the Grandparents United community makes a difference to older people, facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.