On Thursday, 7 May 2020, the ILC Global Alliance (ILC GA) held a remote meeting of its members to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on individuals, families and communities. From the meeting, a position statement was prepared.

The ILC GA stands united in support of the most vulnerable members of society during the pandemic. In the position statement, ILC GA members:

• denounce ageism, age discrimination, xenophobia and other human rights violations in the management of the pandemic, and the treatment of infected and affected persons;
• urge that older persons’ perspectives are taken into account in the design and implementation of Covid-19 related measures to ensure they are relevant to and respectful of their lived experiences;
• support basic and applied sciences leading to optimal testing, treatment and immunisation programmes as well as enhanced public health literacy.

Download the full position statement below.

The mission of the ILC Global Alliance is to help societies to address longevity and population ageing in positive and productive ways, typically using a life course approach, highlighting older people’s productivity and contributions to family and society as a whole.

The ILC GA will be hosting a webinar in June to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on long-term care in an ageing world. Watch this space for more information.