Free Medical Care for Older Persons at DoFA Event

By Abdul Rahman Bah

On Wednesday, 1st October 2025, the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DoFA) marked the International Day of Older Persons by bringing together over 200 elderly men and women at its center on 10 Albert Street, Off Circular Road, Freetown. The event provided free medical checkups and a nutritious breakfast, offering much-needed care while honoring the invaluable contributions of older persons in society. The International Day of Older Persons, observed globally every 1st of October, aims to raise awareness about the rights, welfare, and dignity of older adults, a message that resonated strongly throughout the day’s activities.

The health screenings included tests for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other common age-related ailments. For many of those who traveled from remote communities, this opportunity was a rare chance to receive quality medical attention and guidance from health professionals. The initiative highlighted a critical message to the nation: healthcare access for the elderly should never be viewed as a luxury but rather as an essential human right.

At the heart of the event was a powerful address from DoFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Dorren Barrie, who underscored the vital role health plays in sustaining dignity and independence among older citizens. She lamented the fact that numerous elderly Sierra Leoneans live with chronic diseases but lack the financial means to obtain regular treatment.

“Good health is the foundation of dignity in old age,” Madam Barrie emphasized. “When older people cannot access healthcare, it not only shortens their lives but also robs them of their independence and hope. This initiative is a vital part of our ongoing monthly program aimed at making sure that no elderly person is left behind.”

Madam Barrie explained that DoFA’s commitment extends beyond this one-day event. The organization conducts free medical outreach every first Wednesday of the month, both at their center and in community locations, targeting elderly individuals who are homebound or otherwise unable to travel.

While acknowledging the support from partners and volunteers, Madam Barrie made a heartfelt call for greater national focus on elder care. She urged government ministries, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders to collectively shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the well-being of older Sierra Leoneans.

“DoFA and our partners have done our part, but sustainable and impactful solutions require a more robust and coordinated national strategy,” she said. “We are grateful for the collaborations so far, but the time has come for wider cooperation to ensure that our older citizens can live with dignity, care, and respect.”

In a pointed appeal, Madam Barrie called on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who is himself over 60 years old, to champion policies that expand access to healthcare and social protection for senior citizens across the country.

Since its founding five years ago, DoFA has made significant strides in advocating for the rights and welfare of Sierra Leone’s elderly population. Through strategic partnerships with healthcare bodies, human rights commissions, and civil society groups, DoFA has delivered free medical care, nutritious meals, and platforms for advocacy to hundreds of older adults.

A notable achievement has been the publication of Aged Magazine, an annual journal that highlights the life stories, contributions, and challenges faced by Sierra Leone’s elderly. The magazine serves both as a powerful advocacy tool and as a preservation of the nation’s history by amplifying the voices of senior citizens.

Despite these successes, DoFA continues to grapple with persistent challenges. Limited financial resources, inadequate meeting spaces, and the lack of a permanent residence for homeless elderly people remain major obstacles. Madam Barrie voiced the organization’s aspiration to build a dedicated home where older persons can find shelter, care, and community — a vision that depends heavily on the support and goodwill of stakeholders.

In recent years, DoFA has formalized agreements with various institutions, including human rights and social welfare organizations, to strengthen its reach and effectiveness. These partnerships have enabled the provision of not only medical and nutritional support but also advocacy on critical issues like elder abuse and the need for improved social safety nets.

Medical professionals volunteering at the event emphasized the importance of sustained attention to the healthcare needs of the elderly. Their free services reflected the power of collaboration between civil society and the health sector in addressing the gaps faced by older populations.

Looking ahead, DoFA envisions a Sierra Leone where older persons are respected as custodians of wisdom and cultural heritage rather than marginalized or overlooked. The organization aims to expand its outreach to cover more of the estimated 300,000 older people nationwide, many of whom still lack access to basic healthcare, shelter, and support.

“We must build a society where ageing is not feared, but embraced as a stage of dignity,” Madam Barrie concluded. “Every elderly person we serve has contributed to the foundation of this nation. They deserve more than just our gratitude — they deserve care, protection, and respect.”

As the day’s program wrapped up, participants expressed heartfelt gratitude. For many, the free medical checkups and shared breakfast went beyond immediate health benefits; they represented recognition, inclusion, and renewed hope. The event reaffirmed DoFA’s enduring message: Sierra Leone’s path to progress must include its elderly citizens, ensuring they remain a cherished and integral part of the nation’s social fabric.