Nigeria has joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Hearing Day 2026, with the Federal Government announcing the expansion of its national health programme to strengthen hearing care services across the country.
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the commemoration aligns with efforts of the World Health Organisation, WHO, to promote awareness on hearing health and the prevention of hearing loss, particularly among children.
The theme for this year, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” emphasises the need for coordinated action linking community awareness with school-based interventions to ensure early detection and treatment of hearing challenges.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said hearing is essential for communication, learning, and social integration, especially for children whose cognitive development and academic success depend largely on sound perception.
Preventable Causes
He noted that 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 in Nigeria.
According to him, untreated hearing loss can result in delayed speech development, poor educational outcomes, and long-term socio-economic challenges.
Dr. Salako disclosed that up to 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through timely interventions including vaccination, early detection, and proper ear care.
As part of efforts to strengthen national coordination, the Minister announced that the National Eye Health Programme has been expanded to include ear and other sensory health services and will now operate as the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Functions Programme.
He stated that Eye Health Desk Officers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have expanded mandates covering hearing health, while governance structures, policies, and national guidelines are being developed to institutionalise hearing and sensory healthcare within the national health system.
The Minister stressed that effective hearing care begins at the community level and urged parents, caregivers, and primary healthcare workers to recognise early warning signs such as delayed response to sound, frequent ear pain, or speech delays, and seek timely medical care.
Government Plans
He further stated that government plans include expanding newborn hearing screening, introducing routine hearing checks in primary schools, training teachers to identify early signs of hearing difficulties, and promoting inclusive and hearing-friendly classrooms nationwide.
Dr. Salako called on parents, educators, healthcare providers, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to collaborate in protecting children’s hearing through preventive measures such as timely vaccination, protection from excessive noise exposure, and regular hearing checks.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child can hear clearly and fully participate in community life and classroom learning.