By Andy Esiet, Calabar
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is mobilizing Nigerians and the global community to rise up against indignities, abuse and violence against persons with dementia.
Director General of the Centre, Dr Emem Omokaro while challenging experts and care givers to come out with strategies and workable solutions expresses the resolve of the National Senior Citizens Centre to deploy available channels and institutions to put an end to the menace.
An official statement by the Head, Public Affairs, Media and Communication of NSCC, Mr. Omini Oden made available to some newsmen in Calabar said Omokaro advocates formation of a think-tank on what to do now to effectively address the very deplorable situation that is putting innocent senior citizens in Nigeria on the spot and attacks.
The fight to protect persons living with dementia she said is now more than a rallying cry and should be declared an emergency given the unbelievable scenes of persons living with dementia scornfully treated and jungle justice meted in some cases across the country.
In the area of advocacy, Dr Omokaro said in the medium term, support systems can be put in place for the sufferer and the family for a better living condition.
While appealing to the National Orientation Agency and other channels to step up social mobilization templates that will bring Nigerians to the understanding that dementia is not witchcraft as being misconstrued or spiritual but a health condition that can be managed.
Besides the National Senior Citizens Centre resolve to put an end to violence against persons living with dementia, Omokaro said access to official data on persons living with Dementia is imperative and this can only be achieved through the conduct of a Multi-indicator survey on Ageing.
