THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged continued support towards the country’s efforts to reduce cases of preventable hearing loss and improve access to hearing aids.
Zimbabwe this Tuesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Hearing Day, amid commitment by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help Zimbabwe reduce cases of preventable hearing loss and ensure easy access to hearing aids.
Speaking on the sidelines of the commemorations held Harare, WHO Technical Officer of Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Edmore Chidziva said his organisation will continue assisting the Ministry of Health and Child Care in promoting access to health services, including those pertaining to hearing loss.
“Globally there is lack of access to interventions to address hearing loss such as the provision of hearing aids for those with hearing loss. We will continue seeking ways of improving their lives,” said Dr Chidziva.
Facilitator of the event, Lucia Nkomo spoke on the importance of the World Hearing Day
“World Hearing Day is a day set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) every 3rd of March each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world,” said Nkomo.
Henry Mautsa and Tongai Chirokote, who are affected by hearing loss, had a chance to explain some of their daily challenges.
Around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and 34 million of these are children. It is estimated that by 2050 over 900 million people will have disabling hearing loss.
Hearing loss may result from genetic causes, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, exposure to excessive noise, and ageing. 60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes.
