The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has said that in Nigeria, preventable causes such as untreated ear infections, excessive noise exposure, maternal infections during pregnancy, and limited early screening services continue to contribute to childhood hearing impairment.
The Minister stated this today in a press release on the occasion of the World Hearing Day 2026, an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) aimed at raising awareness on the importance of hearing health and the prevention of hearing loss.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said this year’s theme of the World Hearing Day, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” highlights the need for a coordinated approach that links community awareness with school-based interventions to ensure no Nigerian child is left behind.
According to it, “Hearing is fundamental to communication, learning, and social integration. For children, it is essential for cognitive development, academic achievement, and emotional well-being.”
Globally, over 34 million children live with disabling hearing loss, with a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Salako pointed out that when unaddressed, hearing loss can lead to delayed speech development, poor educational outcomes, and long-term socio-economic challenges.
“Notably, up to 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through timely interventions, including vaccination, early detection, and proper ear care,” he said.
Salako announced that in alignment with WHO recommendations, the Federal Government has expanded the mandate of the National Eye Health Programme to coordinate ear, hearing, and other sensory health activities.
“The programme is now known as the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Functions Programme,” he said, adding, “This expansion strengthens national coordination and reflects the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of hearing loss across Nigeria.”
To ensure nationwide implementation, the Minister stated, Eye Health Desk Officers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have had their mandates expanded to include hearing health and that the Ministry is also developing governance structures, policies, and national guidelines to institutionalise hearing and sensory health within the health system.
Salako reiterated that the Ministry recognises that effective hearing care begins in the community, adding that parents, caregivers, and primary healthcare workers must be empowered to recognise early warning signs such as delayed responses to sound, frequent ear pain, or speech delays, and to seek timely care.
He said: “Schools are equally critical. The government is committed to expanding newborn hearing screening, introducing routine hearing checks in primary schools, training teachers to identify early signs of hearing challenges, and promoting inclusive, hearing-friendly classrooms.”
The Minister called on parents, educators, healthcare providers, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to collaborate in protecting children’s hearing.
“Simple actions such as protecting children from excessive noise, ensuring timely vaccinations, and promoting regular hearing checks can prevent the majority of childhood hearing loss,” he said.
Salako said: “The Federal Government envisions a Nigeria where every child can hear clearly — from the vibrant sounds of their communities to the lessons in their classrooms — and remains committed to ensuring hearing care for every child.”
