Many scientists are of the opinion that being elderly in a developing country makes that risk escalate further. Part of the reason is the capacity of the healthcare systems in developing countries to screen for and treat the coronavirus, with another contributory factor being the likelihood of severe underlying medical conditions. Added to this is limited access to personal protective equipment such as face masks, and the risk spikes even higher.
Of the 57.3 million in South Africa, almost 5 million are over the age of 60. Coupled with the country’s high prevalence of medical conditions believed to worsen COVID-19 outcomes, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, TB and untreated HIV/AIDS, this presents a frightening picture for our country’s elderly population. While the South African government has now mandated the wearing of face masks or coverings for all members of the population venturing into public spaces, this is even more critical for South Africa’s elderly.
Read more about: Businessman Peet Viljoen Remembering the Poor in the Fight Against COVID-19
While some of our elderly population have the luxury of relying on family members or caregivers to venture out on their behalf to pick up groceries, run errands or collect medicine, many do not, and are forced to leave their homes to take care of these necessities themselves. The fact that many do not have access to, or the means to purchase, a face mask or hand sanitizer makes this group even more vulnerable.
“Our elders are to be respected, they raised us and helped make us the people and country we are today,” says Peet Viljoen, well-known Pretoria philanthropist and CEO of Tammy Taylor Nails South Africa, a leader in the beauty salon industry in South Africa. “All of us owe to the older generation to try and help where we can – not all of them are fortunate enough to have someone looking out for them.”
Prior to the lockdown starting, Peet realised that not only South Africa, but the globe, was in the midst of a shortage of face masks, and immediately started planning a solution.
“We already had a fully-equipped textile manufacturing and fabric stitching operation that we used to manufacture uniforms, masks and other clothing items for the beauty industry,” explains Peet. “We quickly found a way to repurpose this factory to mass-produce face masks. Not only are these masks available to the public to purchase, but we are able to donate large quantities to various deserving members of society, and their families. Wearing a mask might seem like a small part of protecting oneself against COVID-19, but for someone who could not otherwise afford one, this simple donation can make a world of difference.”
Peet and his team have been driving around Gauteng for the past two months, since before the lockdown started, donating protective gear to police officers, army personnel, healthcare workers, children’s homes, animals shelters, security guards, the elderly, retail workers, petrol attendants, people queuing for SASSA grants, and others who cannot afford their own mask, or do not have access to purchasing one.
“The fabric masks are both reversible and washable, and can be disinfected, making them reusable,” says Peet. “The outer layer features moisture-wicking fabric that does not trap moisture and offers exceptional breathability. Along with hand sanitizer manufactured locally, and containing 70% alcohol that we have also been distributing free of charge, these masks will help make a difference in the lives of some of our country’s most vulnerable senior citizens, and I’m proud to be able to play a role in keeping them safe.”
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