Minister Inaugurates Ear, Hearing Care Group
Health Minister Professor Isaac Adewole has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) for ear and hearing care in Abuja.
Adewole urged the group to develop a National Strategic Plan on Ear Health Care and Community-Based Hearing Healthcare programmes across the country.
He said the government was targeting one million students nationwide.
He noted: ‘’The relationship between hearing and speaking cannot be overemphasised.’’
Adewole urged the group to come up with a plan on how to reduce hearing losses, improve access to hearing health professionals, and provide rehabilitative services to those with hearing problems.
He assured TWG of Federal Government’s assistance, adding that the group was expected to complete its assignment within four months.
The Minister said the Starkey Hearing Foundation has agreed to sponsor TWG’s activities to ensure the timely completion of the assignment.
The Minister listed the group’s terms of reference to include: To develop a National Ear Health Policy, develop a National Strategic Plan for Ear Care and to develop and implement the plan for Ear screening for public schools.
Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Joseph Amedu said members of the group include ear care and hearing health specialists.
He observed that there was the need for the group to fast-track its activities to achieve results.
Responding on behalf of TWG members, Co-chairman and Director, Global Health/Research, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Dr. Luqman Lawal pledged the group’s commitment to their task.
By: Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha
The Nation News
