By Udum Bridget Uju
The International Day of Care and Support highlights the contributions of caregivers and the need to strengthen care systems for vulnerable people in society.
The 2026 observance focuses on building sustainable care and support systems through decent work, underscoring the importance of accessible care services and better support for care workers.
Care services play an important role in promoting the well being of children, older persons, persons with disabilities and people living with illnesses.
Caregivers provide physical, emotional and practical assistance to individuals who require help with daily activities. They include healthcare professionals, social workers, community health workers and family members who care for their loved ones.
The observance also directs attention to the challenges faced by caregivers, particularly those providing unpaid care to family members while balancing other personal and professional responsibilities.
Governments, organisations and communities have important roles to play in developing policies and programmes that support caregivers, improve working conditions, expand access to healthcare and provide essential services for vulnerable groups.
In Anambra, families and communities remain important sources of care and support for older persons, children, persons with disabilities and people living with long term illnesses.
Strengthening community based care services and raising public awareness can help improve access to assistance and ensure that vulnerable people receive appropriate care and attention.
Promoting equal opportunities, protecting human dignity and ensuring access to essential services are also important to building an inclusive society.
The observance provides an opportunity to recognise caregivers’ contributions and highlight the need for accessible, quality care services and decent working conditions for care workers.
Udum Bridget Uju is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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