N o n - c ommu n i c a b l e d i s e a s e s a n d d i s a b i l i t i e s widowed women represent a sub-population at particular risk to disability compared to other groups. Widowed women are also especially vulnerable to poverty as well as having an unmet need for health care and support services (Panapasa, 2002). Despite the evidence that disability is disproportionately found in older age groups in PICs, most national disability policies have little reference to the particular needs of older persons with disabilities. This should be addressed when policies are reviewed. Currently only two countries in the Pacific (Fiji and Cook Islands) have national policies on ageing. At its ministers’ meeting in 2012, the PDF agreed that issues of ageing must be considered in the revision of their national policies on disability inclusive development. While the CRPD does not make specific reference to older persons, its comprehensive coverage of issues embraces all groups. Conclusion PICs face significant challenges, including complex vulnerabilities, dependencies and uncertainties that arise for countries and communities, as our region changes with modernity, the processes of globalisation and the damaging effects of climate change. We stand together as a Pacific region because there are significant benefits to sharing and combining our resources to leverage our voice, influence and competitiveness, and to overcome geographical and demographic disadvantages. From its foundation, the Pacific Islands Forum has recognised the advantages of shared purpose, and of close co-operation and coordination. Pacific nations commit to working together to address common challenges, harness shared strengths, and ensure that individual and collective advancement brings practical benefits to all Pacific people. Co-operation and collaboration among Pacific nations and development partners have been forged through the development of regional frameworks and strategies such as the PRSD. During the remaining period of PRSD evidence gathering (assisted through stronger monitoring, evaluation and learning, and commissioned research), PIFS should be assisted to provide advice to disability ministers about the need and focus of any future regional strategy or framework on disability rights and inclusive development after 2015. The advice needs to be based on an assessment of the operating context nationally, regionally and internationally; the extent to which progress in realising rights, commitment and action in disability-inclusive development has occurred in countries; and the priorities and needs identified by national and regional DPOs, service providers and governments. In the Pacific, the extended family is the main provider of care and social security for the elderly and this will remain the case for some time to come. While family solidarity remains strong, it is weakening in urban areas and in those areas affected by outmigration. Governments will need to develop ways to supplement family care with more formal institutional care as the number of elderly people grows, particularly for those with disabilities. References Dyer, S. and Macanawaui, S., 2014. Pacific Islands Forum Secretary: Mid-Term Review of the Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability (2010–15). FNCDP (Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons), 2010. Making Women with Disabilities Visible pdf FNCDP. Available at: www.fncdp.org/docs/WomenDisabilitiesSurvey.pdf Accessed 15 April 2015. Kiribati National Disability Survey Committee, 2005. Kiribati National Disability Survey Report. Panapasa, S., 2002. ‘Disability among older women and men in Fiji: Concerns for the future’. Journal on Women and Ageing, 14. PIFL (Pacific Islands Forum Leaders), 2010. Forum Communiqué 2010 pdf PIFL. Available at: www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/ newsroom/press-statements/2013/2010/forum-communiquereflects concerns-of-leaders.html Accessed 15 April 2015. PIFS (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat), 2014. Regional Strategy on Disability – Tracking Report 2014. Solomon Islands Government, 2006. Solomon Islands Disability Survey Project. Taylor, D., 2005. Tongan Disability Identification Survey webpage Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Available at: www.spc.int/prism/tonga/index.php?option=com_advlisting&view =download&fileId=139&Itemid=301 Accessed 15 April 2015. WHO (World Health Organization), 2002. Active Ageing: A Policy Framework pdf. Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/ 2002/who_nmh_nph_02.8.pdf Accessed 15 April 2015. 88 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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