Dili, March 4, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The World Health Organization (WHO) held a World Hearing Day activity with the theme, “Changing the Mentality to Strengthen Oneself to Realize Ear and Hearing Care for Everyone”.
According to WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Saima Wazed that every year on March 3, World Hearing Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the prevention of deafness and hearing loss.
“We are celebrating World Hearing Day while advocating for ear and hearing care around the world. This year, with the theme “Changing the Mentality to Strengthen Oneself to Realize Ear and Hearing Care for Everyone,” said WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Saima Wazed
She continued, WHO’s compromise is to empower individuals and health systems to take significant action towards better ear and hearing health.
“Hearing loss is a growing public health challenge, with more than 1.5 billion people worldwide affected, and nearly 80% living in low- and middle-income countries,” She said.
She stressed that in Southeast Asia alone, there are 400 million people suffering from ear disorders. This number could increase to 660 million by 2050 if this trend continues.
“These issues are not just statistics, they reflect individuals whose lifestyles and wellbeing are severely impacted. Left untreated hearing problems have far-reaching consequences, affecting language development, education, employment and mental health,” She added.
She informed that many things can be prevented and interventions can be carried out effectively and efficiently in terms of cost. Whereas more than 80% of the need for ear and hearing care worldwide is still unmet. Fulfilling this need must be a priority.
“I feel the encouragement and progress that Member States are making to strengthen ear and hearing health in our region. Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal have conducted situational assessments using WHO tools and are advancing the development of strategies to strengthen ear and hearing health care. Myanmar has integrated ear and hearing care, eye care, adult care and mental health services at the community level,” She added.
She said, Bhutan has implemented free hearing screening services and hearing aid services for children. Indonesia has begun integrating ear and vision screening in schools. Field trials on hearing modules related to Assistance Product training held in India.
In addition, World Hearing Day calls on governments, health workers, civil society and individuals to prioritize hearing and ear care, assess the challenges and sustain significant investment in this vital area. Together we can ensure that hearing and ear care is accessible to all.
Further explained that the Southeast Asia region consists of 11 member countries as follows: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic Popular Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Media of WHO