By Akani Nkuna
Without urgent interventions, widespread hearing loss, which disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable populations, will continue to escalate, the Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Department said on Monday.
As the world commemorated World Hearing Day on Monday, the department warned against increasing existing inequalities in access to health services across Africa.
The theme for World Hearing Day this year was “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself. Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All”.
It highlighted the importance of raising awareness about deafness and hearing loss while promoting access to essential ear and hearing care.
“Hearing is fundamental to communication, education, employment and overall wellbeing. If it is left unaddressed, hearing loss can hinder speech development, academic progress and economic opportunities. It can also lead to social isolation, stigma and reduced quality of life,” department spokesperson Cassius Selal said in a statement.
Hearing impairment is a pressing global
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