On Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, the Directorate of Family Health (DSF) celebrated the International Day of Older Persons. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Gabriel Thimothé, Director General of the Ministry of Public Health; Dr. Oscar Bareneche, Representative of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); Ronald Bazile, Director General of the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA); the representative of the Office of Workplace Accident, Sickness, and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA); and numerous directors and officials from the ministry.

The Ministry of Health, with the support of PAHO/WHO and its partners, organized a day of advocacy, screening, and awareness-raising dedicated to elders.

- Free screenings (hypertension, diabetes, vision problems, etc...)

- Free ophthalmological consultations

- Dialogue to promote the inclusion and rights of older adults in health policies

In her speech, Dr. Cassandre Milord Michel, Director of the DSF, reiterated that older adults are a wealth and a living memory for society.

Gabriel Thimothé emphasized the importance of intergenerational solidarity and called for increased efforts to improve their care.

Finally, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, Minister of Public Health, expressed in a pre-recorded video his determination to guarantee everyone, including older adults, equitable access to quality care.

At the end of the ceremony, a symbolic ministerial charter was signed by the various stakeholders to once again reaffirm their commitment to our public health system.

IH/ iciHaiti