Walkers Celebrate Disabled and Elderly People

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More than 2,000 people from various organisations gathered in Vientiane on Saturday to join a walk celebrating National Day of Persons with Disabilities (September 27) and International Day of Older Persons (October 1).

Around the country, there are more almost 700,000 disabled people (10-12 percent of the population) while more than 400,000 elderly people (6 percent of the population). Some disabled and elderly were able to join the walking event in the capital.

The event started from Patouxay Park and travelled about 1km to the President’s Office and back again.

The walk was organised by the National Committee for Disabled and Elderly in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and other organisations.

It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Governor of Vientiane Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Dr Khampheng Xaysompheng along with ambassadors to Laos and senior officials.

Dr Khampheng said around the world there were more than one billion disabled people (15 percent of the world’s population) who lacked equality in society and were in need of education, treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training and work opportunities.

“The Lao government is trying to take care of all ethnic people, especially the disabled and elderly, and implementing plans to gradually make their lives better,” he said.

He said the government gave high importance to people with disabilities and the elderly.

Meanwhile, early this month the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare cooperated with THM Lao Co., Ltd to hold their annual charity golf tournament which raised more than 270 million kip to assist projects supporting the disabled and older people around the country. These initiatives include health programmes, sports, and labour development so those in need can fully participate in society.

 

Source: Vientiane Times