Improving care for the elderly in Guizhou

China’s rapidly-aging population has led to a significant increase in health and social protection needs for the elderly. AFD is supporting public policies through a program aimed at improving the scope, quality and efficiency of the aged care system in Guizhou.

Context

China is facing a major demographic challenge in the form of extremely rapid population aging. The number of people over 65 years of age will double by 2050 to over 370 million. This major change has already led to health and social challenges and is upsetting the country’s development model.

Guizhou province, with a population of 36 million, is one of the country’s poorest provinces. The number of people aged 60 and older now accounts for 15% of the population in the province, which is focusing on healthcare and prevention measures for its elderly residents.

Description

AFD is providing funding for an innovative, 5-year program conducted in partnership with the World Bank. The project is based on a comprehensive approach with three objectives:

develop a range of services adapted to the needs of the elderly;
improve the quality of services they receive;
increase the efficiency of public funding.

At the same time, the province will receive technical support for implementing the program, in areas where France can offer solid expertise.

The program also integrates climate change issues, for example, by using renewable energy and energy savings measures.

Impacts

Establishment of a broader range of high-quality services, with improved access in several prefectures in the province;
2,474,000 elderly people will benefit from an assessment of their needs and 402,000 individuals will receive financial assistance to enable them to benefit from the services;
1,500 facilities and services for the elderly will be improved and required to comply with quality standards;
52,000 individuals will be trained to better care for the elderly.