Brunei Darussalam, like many countries, is experiencing an ageing population. Some 10.1 per cent of the population is aged 60 and above and it is expected to rise to 28.7 per cent by 2050.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari said this during the launch of the three-day Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2023 organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and MCYS.
She said care economy will become a large part of the Sultanate’s economy and it is crucial to ensure it is sustainable and equitable.
“While policymakers will continue to advance and strengthen strategies to care for the elderly, it is the caregivers who play a vital role in supporting senior citizens with dementia,” said Hajah Nor Ashikin.
“Investment in researching for a cure and stepping up preventive actions remain critical. It will improve the quality of life of people living with the disease and reduce the economic burden on families and the society in the long run,” she added.
The conference, supported by Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), also saw ADI Regional Director of the Asia Pacific Region Kusumadewi (DY) Suharya delivering a speech about ADI’s goals and strategy for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof as Acting Minister of Health and Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid as Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports launched the conference at International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday.
The conference saw a welcoming speech by the President of Demensia Brunei Dr Teo Shyh Poh and opening remarks by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar via video recording.
The conference ending tomorrow will be attended by over 350 local and international participants. It is targeted at individuals, their families and carers, healthcare professionals and the public interested in the topics. – Rokiah Mahmud
