By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
P9O Newsletter
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our investigative stories, breaking news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
  • Home
  • Nigeria
  • Politics
  • Metro
  • World
  • Lifestlye
  • Football
  • 2023 Election
Reading: WHO: 1.5 Billion People Worldwide Suffer from Hearing Loss
Prime 9ja Online
Prime 9ja Online Prime 9ja Online
Aa
  • Africa
  • Business
  • Football
  • Metro
  • Nigeria
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Technology
Search
  • Categories
  • _Football
  • _Lifestyle
  • _World
  • _Metro
  • _Politics
  • _Nigeria
  • Pages
  • _About Us
  • _Contact Us
  • _Privacy Policy
Follow Us
World

WHO: 1.5 Billion People Worldwide Suffer from Hearing Loss

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that about 1.5 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss. The WHO regional director ...

Chima Joseph Ugo
Chima Joseph Ugo - Editor-in-chief March 03, 2023
Updated March 3, 2023 at 9:05 AM
Share
WHO: 1.5 Billion People Worldwide Suffer from Hearing Loss
SHARE

WHO: 1.5 Billion People Worldwide Suffer from Hearing Loss
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that about 1.5 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss. The WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, made the announcement during the 2023 World Hearing Day celebration with the theme ’Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality. She also revealed that the number could rise to over 2.5 billion by 2030.

World Hearing Day is an annual event held on March 3rd to promote awareness of ways to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to encourage ear and hearing care around the world. In her message, Moeti stated that the burden of ear and hearing problems is a reflection of significant inequalities that disproportionately impact marginalised populations across the globe.

Moeti explained that in Africa, an estimated 135 million people are battling ear and hearing problems as medical conditions, with the number increasing daily. She predicted that if this rate continues, about 338 million people would be affected by visual and hearing problems by 2050 in Africa.

The WHO regional director emphasised that the day was an opportunity to promote preventive measures and raise awareness about ear and hearing care worldwide. She said it was a day to reiterate the message of preventing and addressing common ear and hearing problems as nearly $30 billion was lost due to the collective failure to address the problem in Africa.

Moeti noted that more than 60 per cent of common ear diseases and hearing loss can be detected and managed at the primary level of medical care. She acknowledged recent efforts made by relevant bodies towards addressing hearing and visual problems, such as the ongoing support to Kenya to establish a centre of excellence for eye health clinics and oral health. 

Countries such as Kenya, Malawi, and Guinea have launched and started implementing national ear and hearing care strategies. There is also a regional analysis of ear and hearing care, including country profiles for all member states.

To further support ear and hearing care, WHO developed two modules on the ear and hearing care management for primary health care workers, which will be integrated into the WHO PEN packages. Moeti also called on governments to prioritise ear and hearing care health programmes as part of their universal healthcare agenda and increase their political and financial commitment. 

She emphasised that many people with hearing loss do not know how and where to find help or do not have access to the needed services, and it greatly impacts their lives, families, and communities. WHO recently launched a primary ear and hearing care training manual that intends to inform doctors, nurses, and other health workers to achieve universal coverage.

Tags: World

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share this Article
Facebook WhatsApp TwitterEmail Print

You Might Also Like

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Pinterest Pin
Telegram Subscribe
Prime 9ja Online

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest updates instantly on your email.

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Corrections and Correctives
  • Editorial Integrity
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Funding

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit a Tip

© 2025 Prime 9ja Online Media - All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us