Today, on World Hearing Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, has issued a poignant message highlighting the critical importance of ear and hearing care. This year’s theme, “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” underscores the foundational role of hearing in children’s development and the urgent need to address preventable barriers to hearing health across the African continent.
Hearing loss is increasingly recognized as a significant public health challenge. Globally, over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, with nearly 40 million individuals in the African Region affected by disabling hearing loss. The burden is particularly heavy in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention, early detection, and care remains limited.
Understanding the Impact of Hearing Loss
Hearing is not only essential for communication but also plays a critical role in speech and language development, learning, and social interaction. Unfortunately, hearing loss often remains misunderstood or overlooked. Children who cannot hear clearly may be incorrectly labeled as difficult or inattentive, when in reality, they are dealing with a preventable and treatable health condition.
Without early identification and support, hearing loss can significantly impact educational achievement, limit future opportunities, and contribute to social exclusion. Dr. Janabi emphasized that up to 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through simple, cost-effective public health measures.
“Much of this burden can be prevented. Up to 60% of childhood hearing loss is avoidable through simple, cost-effective public health measures.”
Schools as Platforms for Early Detection
Schools offer a powerful platform for early detection and intervention. Integrating hearing screening into school health programs enables timely identification of hearing challenges, referral to appropriate services, and support for children’s full participation in education. This approach aligns with WHO’s Health Promoting Schools framework, which promotes health education, safe environments, and strong partnerships between families, schools, and health services.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa is committed to supporting Member States in strengthening ear and hearing care within national health systems. By providing guidance and technical resources, WHO aims to help countries develop and implement evidence-informed policies and programs that expand access to care.
Strengthening Health Systems
WHO is also providing direct country support to integrate ear and hearing care into primary health care, including through the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN). Strengthening services at this level ensures that prevention, early detection, and treatment reach communities where they are needed most.
Dr. Janabi’s message calls on governments, partners, educators, communities, and families to prioritize ear and hearing care as part of broader efforts to strengthen child health, education, and inclusion. By investing in prevention, early detection, and care, we can protect children’s ability to learn, communicate, and reach their full potential.
“Together, we can ensure that no child in Africa is left behind because of preventable hearing loss. Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to hear, to learn, and to succeed.”
Looking Forward
The announcement comes as global health organizations continue to emphasize the importance of addressing noncommunicable diseases and preventable health conditions. As the world observes World Hearing Day 2026, the focus remains on creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive without the barriers of preventable hearing loss.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for stakeholders at all levels to collaborate and invest in sustainable solutions that prioritize children’s hearing health. With concerted efforts, it is possible to build a future where every child in Africa has the opportunity to hear, learn, and succeed.
