The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday commemorated the 2026 World Hearing Day, announcing a major expansion of the National Eye Health Programme to include ear and other sensory health functions.
In a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, the ministry said the event, marked in Abuja, aligns with the global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness on hearing health and the prevention of hearing loss.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the move underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to tackling hearing loss, particularly among children.
This year’s theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” highlights the need for a coordinated approach linking community awareness with school-based interventions to ensure no Nigerian child is left behind.
Salako noted that hearing played a vital role in communication, learning and social integration, especially for children whose cognitive development, academic performance and emotional well-being depend significantly on early detection and care.
He observed 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.
“When unaddressed, hearing loss can result in delayed speech development, poor educational outcomes and long-term socio-economic challenges. Notably, up to 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through timely interventions, including vaccination, early detection and proper ear care,” he stated.
As part of reforms aligned with WHO recommendations, the minister announced that the National Eye Health Programme has been expanded and renamed the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Functions Programme to strengthen coordination of hearing and other sensory health services nationwide.
He added that Eye Health Desk Officers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have had their mandates broadened to include hearing health, while the ministry is developing governance structures, policies and national guidelines to institutionalise hearing and sensory healthcare within the national health system.
The minister stressed that effective hearing care begins at the community level, urging parents, caregivers and primary healthcare workers to recognise early warning signs such as delayed response to sound, frequent ear pain and speech delays, and to seek timely medical attention.
He further disclosed plans to expand newborn hearing screening, introduce routine hearing checks in primary schools, train teachers to identify early signs of hearing challenges and promote inclusive, hearing-friendly classrooms.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, Salako 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 stressed.
