“Ear care can avoid hearing loss” “Make Hearing Matter

For the first time Swaziland joined the international community in commemorating the International Ear Care Day 2014. This inaugural event was organised by the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit , the Health Promotion Unit and the School Health Programme in the  Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO), University Research Council (URC) and the National Children Coordination Unit (NCCU) in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

The event was marked by the main event held at Royal Swazi Hotel in Ezulwini followed by an outreach visit by the ENT team to a local primary school . Also of note is the fact that there were a number of build-up activities which included sensitisation of the senior Ministry of Health officials through a power point presentation by the ENT specialist in the Ministry of Health on ear care and hearing. There were also a number of television and radio spots and a whole week was dedicated to ear and hearing issues on the local television. All health facilities were also asked to exam and test patients for ear and hearing conditions.

The commemoration was held on Monday the 3rd of March 2014 under the theme “Ear care can avoid hearing loss” and the slogan used was  “Make Hearing Matter”. The aim of the commemoration was to raise awareness among communities, community leaders, parents, teachers, health professionals, opinion formers, decision makers and policy makers about hearing care and how to prevent debilitating hearing loss. The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Health, Senator Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane, the WHO Country Representative, The country Director of URC, Senior government officials, Ministry of Health staff, the private sector, children from the school for the deaf and their teachers as well as members of the media. The Honourable Minister of Health emphasized the fact that making hearing matter is every ones business. She encouraged people to take care of their ears to prevent hearing loss. She also reiterated the commitment of His Majesty’s Government to implement the Primary Health Care approach to address a number of challenges faced by the nation including hearing impairment.

Dr Owen Kaluwa, the WHO Country Representative also assured the audience that WHO is committed to supporting the Government of Swaziland in addressing ear care and hearing loss. He also mentioned that WHO supports countries on developing strategies and plan for preventing disabling hearing loss through provision of technical support. WHO also assists countries in conducting population based surveys for evidence generation to support interventions.

The ENT specialist Dr Eunice Haumba gave a power point presentation on Audiology , speech and hearing care in Swaziland. She highlighted the causes of hearing loss as well as the achievements of the ENT unit, challenges faced and opportunities for improvement.

There were testimonials from a father who highlighted the challenges he faced raising a child with hearing impairment. A teacher living with diminished hearing also gave his testimonial on the challenges he is facing whilst at work . These were followed by a song from pupils from the school for the deaf which was sung using sign language.

After the main event the ENT team proceeded to a primary school around Mbabane where they screen grade 1 pupils for ear diseases and hearing disorders. A number of children received treatment. This was done in collaboration with the school health programme.

The event being first of its kind in the country raised a lot of interest as evidenced by the attendance at the event as well as the publicity in the media both print and electronic. The commemoration should not end there. There is need to continue raising awareness about hearing loss since about 50% of disabling hearing loss is indeed avoidable.
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For more information contact: 
Dr Kevin Makadzange – HPR officer
World Health Organization—Swaziland Country Office, P.O. Box 903, 2nd Floor, Lilunga House, Somhlolo Road, Mbabane, Swaziland. 
Phone :  (+268) 24042928, 24049635,  fax : (+268) 2404 4566 email: makadzangek [at] who.int (makadzangek[at]who[dot]int) 
 

01 From left to right seated: Mrs. Rejoice Nkambule-Deputy Director Public Health; Dr Simon Zwane– Acting Principal Secretary; Senator Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane-Honourable  Minister of Health and Dr Owen Kaluwa– WR WHO whilst Dr Vusi Magagula-Deputy Director Clinical , directs the event

02 The Honourable Minister of Health, Senator Sibongile  Ndlela-Simelane giving her remarks  whilst the sign language specialist interprets

03 The WR, Dr. Owen Kaluwa delivering his remarks whilst a sign language specialist interprets  

04 Students from School for the Deaf rendering a song

05 The ENT team screening and treating grade 1 pupils at a local primary school