Under the patronage of the Southern Governor HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Southern Governorate held though video call the “Virtual Social and Health Summit” which coincided with the International Elders Day, marked on October 1 each year.

The event was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Health and Bahrain Parents Care Society. Attending the event were HE Brigadier Isa Thamer Abdulla Al Dossari, Deputy Southern Governor as well as Dr. Mariam Al Hajri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Khalid Ishaq, Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development as well as other officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Health.

Commenting on this HH Shaikh Khalifa said that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister and HRH Price Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, is paying close attention to elderlies, providing them with required support.

“Elderlies represent an import part of the society and the Southern Governorate is keen to celebrate their contributions and efforts towards our country. Our parents and grandparents have done this, and we have inherited this from them. Extending care to elderlies is the responsibility of everyone,” he said.

Furthermore, HH Shaikh Khalifa hailed the support of HE Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and his keenness to follow-up to the efforts being exerted by the competent authorities as well as those who are serving in the frontlines against the novel Coronavirus “Covid-19”.

“It’s very important to carefully adopt precautionary measures and commit to social distancing, especially with elderlies who are more exposed to the virus,” HH Shaikh Khalifa indicated, expressing keenness to play a key social role by organising such events that activate community partnership.

From her side, Dr. Al Hajri stated that the Ministry of Health is providing the best health services to the citizens, including elderlies, hailing the Southern Governorate’s initiatives for them. Meanwhile, Ms. Huda Al Humood, Scoial Welfare Director at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development affirmed that the Ministry is determined to offer the best services to elderlies and upgrade care homes.

On his part, Mr. Ahmed Al Banna of Bahrain Parents Care Society praised the efforts of the Government towards improving the welfare of elderlies, while Health Support Director Dr Wafa Al Sharbatly underlined the importance of raising awareness of precautions to protect older adults.