According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing loss.
This was disclosed in the statement by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti to observe and remember World Hearing Day in 2023 with the theme: “Ear and hearing care for everyone! Let’s make it happen, which held on Thursday in Abuja
By 2030, she added, the population might surpass 2.5 billion.
According to Moeti, the burden of ear and hearing issues is a reflection of substantial disparities that disproportionately affect the world’s underprivileged groups.
She claimed that 135 million people in Africa suffer from ear and hearing issues as medical diseases, and that this number is rising daily.
She also said, if things continue as they are, 338 million Africans will likely have visual and auditory impairments by the year 2050.
According to the regional director, the day offered a chance to promote ear and hearing care all across the world and increase knowledge of preventive measures.
While approximately 30 billion dollars were being lost due to collective inaction on the issue in the African Region, she said it was a good day to emphasize the message of avoiding and treating common ear and hearing problems.
She added that more than 60% of common ear conditions and hearing loss are detectable and frequently treated at the primary level of medical care.
She urged governments to improve their political and financial commitment and emphasize ear and hearing care health programs as part of their universal healthcare strategy.
