By AGATHA N Uju, Correspondent, Abuja
The Nigerian government has announced a key policy decision to enhance ear and sensory health of its citizens as part of its activities in commemorating World Hearing Day 2026.
World Hearing Day, marked globally on March 3, is the World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative aimed at raising awareness on the importance of hearing health and the prevention of hearing loss.
Emphasising this year’s theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH & SW) calls on the need for a coordinated approach that links community awareness with school-based interventions to ensure no Nigerian child is left behind.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako who spoke through a statement, 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. This expansion strengthens national coordination and reflects the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of hearing loss across Nigeria.”he explained.
The minister said 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.
He noted that globally, over 34 million children live with disabling hearing loss, with a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries.
“Hearing is fundamental to communication, learning, and social integration. For children, it is essential for cognitive development, academic achievement, and emotional well-being”, the minister stated.
He further explained 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 noted.
In the statement issued on Monday by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, Salako said to ensure nationwide implementation, Eye Health Desk Officers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have their mandates expanded to include hearing health and the Ministry is also developing governance structures, policies, and national guidelines to institutionalise hearing and sensory health within the health system.
The Ministry recognises that effective hearing care begins in the community, therefore, Dr. Salako reiterated 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 calls 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 stressed.”
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”, Salako reassures, affirming the world is a global community.
