World Health Organization (WHO) has said about 135 million Africans are suffering from ear and hearing problems.
The Organization Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti disclosed this in a statement issued to commemorate this year’s World Hearing Day (WHD).
She projected that by 2050, over 338 million people will be affected by hearing issues.
Commenting on this year’s theme, “Ear and hearing care for all”, Moeti called on and sundry to attach seriousness to the care of their ears.
Dr Moeti called on government to prioritise ear and hearing care as part of their non-communicable diseases and universal health care agenda and increase their campaign, and political and financial commitment with a view to curbing the problems associated with the disease.
She explained that about 80% of the world’s population lives in low- and middle-income countries, with over 1.5 billion people suffering from ear problems and hearing loss.
