HEALTH- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that by 2050, there could be over 338 million people affected by ear and hearing issues in Africa. This is as the world marks this year’s World Hearing Day.
WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, disclosed this in a statement in commemoration of the 2023 World Hearing Day, with the theme: “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality.”
She noted that globally, over 1.5 billion people live with ear problems and hearing loss, nearly 80 percent living in low- and middle-income countries.
“In Africa, an estimated 135 million people have ear and hearing problems. These numbers are rising. At the current rate, it is likely that by 2050 there could be over 338 million people affected by ear and hearing issues in Africa,” said Moeti.
According to her, many people with hearing loss do not know how and where to find help or do not have access to the needed services. This, she said is greatly impacting on the lives of those affected, their families, and their communities.
“In the African Region, nearly US$ 30 billion are lost due to the collective failure to address hearing loss adequately,” she noted.
Moeti further stated that over 60 per cent of the common ear diseases and hearing loss can be detected and often managed at the primary level of care.
