By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, commemorated its 5th anniversary alongside this year’s International Day of Older Persons with free medical check-ups and breakfast for more than 200 elderly individuals drawn from different communities across Freetown. The event was hosted at the organization’s office on Albert Street, off Circular Road.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of DOFA, Doreen Barrie, said the initiative was aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the elderly, many of whom face challenges in accessing proper medical care. “Many older persons cannot afford regular health check-ups and without timely care, they risk serious health complications. Providing free medical services and meals is our way of not only celebrating them but also protecting and extending their quality of life,” she stated.
Doreen Barrie explained that DOFA has consistently marked the International Day of Older Persons since its inception five years ago, but emphasized that this year’s event was particularly significant as it came with expanded outreach and partnerships. “This is not a one-off. We conduct monthly medical check-ups and outreach to communities where some elderly people cannot travel. Our aim is to provide sustained support, not just a day of service,” she added.
She however highlighted the challenges facing the organization, particularly financial constraints, lack of adequate space and limited institutional support. “The crowd we had today shows the pressing need. We need a bigger facility, more resources and stronger Government involvement. Caring for older persons should not rest on NGOs and individuals alone it must be a Government priority,” Doreen Barrie urged.
DOFA has recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several local organizations to strengthen its work. According to Doreen Barrie, those partnerships are already yielding results by boosting resources and increasing public awareness about issues affecting the elderly.
As part of its long-term vision, DOFA hopes to establish a dedicated home for the aged, expand its coverage to more districts and provide comprehensive welfare support for Sierra Leone’s growing elderly population.
She ended with a passionate appeal to Government, institutions and citizens to give greater attention to the welfare of older people. “Older persons deserve access to healthcare, dignity and a conducive environment to live in peace. This responsibility lies with all of us,” she said.
The doctor in charge of the medical checkup commended DOFA for organizing the medical check-ups for older persons, describing the initiative as both timely and important. She explained that from the consultations conducted, the most common health conditions identified among the elderly were high blood pressure, body pains and diabetes.
According to her, those ailments are often linked to a lack of adequate care and the fact that many elderly people do not go for regular medical check-ups, which she emphasized should be a routine practice.
She urged families and communities to provide proper care for the aged, highlighting the importance of regular medical examinations such as those facilitated by DOFA. In her advice to the elderly, she stressed the need for consistent exercise and healthy eating habits, underscoring how those lifestyle choices play a key role in managing and preventing illnesses.
Commenting on behalf of beneficiaries, Yusuf Sesay, a 72-year-old, shared his experience with visible relief. He explained that at his age, routine medical visits are almost impossible due to financial hardship.
“Most of us cannot afford regular medical check-ups and when we feel sick, we often just sit at home and hope to recover on our own. This initiative has given me the chance to know my health status and receive advice from medical professionals,” Yusuf Sesay said. With a smile, he added, “And the meal they provided today reminded me of better days. It may seem small to others, but to us, it means so much. I am deeply grateful to DOFA for thinking about us.”
Madam Fatu Kargbo, a 68-year-old grandmother from the East End of Freetown, also described the event as a blessing. She noted that older persons in Sierra Leone are often forgotten once they retire or lose their livelihoods.
“At our age, we often feel invisible. Many times, people pass us by without even asking how we are doing. But today, DOFA has made us feel loved and valued,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “The medical check-up gave me peace of mind because now I know what I need to do to take care of myself. I pray that DOFA continues this good work and that more partners, including the Government, will come on board to support them. We, the elderly, deserve to live our final years with dignity.”
