The African Summit on Hearing Impairment kicked off at a Nairobi Hotel bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent to address the urgent challenges posed by hearing impairment.
The two-day summit, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and international development agencies, aims to improve ear and hearing care services across Africa.
Speaking during the official opening, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, underscored the critical need to prioritize hearing care as a public health issue.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai
The summit provides a platform for key players from government, academia, and international partners to discuss strategies aimed at preventing hearing loss, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring equitable access to hearing care technologies.He referenced the 2021 WHO World Hearing Report, which highlights that 1.5 billion people globally are affected by hearing loss, with 80% living in low- and middle-income countries.
“By 2030, 54 million people in Africa will experience disabling hearing loss. This is a growing public health concern that requires urgent action,” said the PS.
Kenya’s National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan 2023-2028 was highlighted as a key initiative aimed at addressing hearing loss through universal screening and enhanced access to hearing assistive technologies such as cochlear implants.
The summit is set to include discussions on innovative solutions, capacity-building for healthcare professionals, and the integration of hearing services into primary health care systems.
Participants will engage in critical dialogue on ways to strengthen ear and hearing care services throughout the region, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for individuals affected by hearing impairment across Africa.
