malvernmugadzikwa
Theseus Shambare in Murehwa
ABOUT 1 200 people living with hearing impairments are set to receive free hearing aids from the Government under a programme geared towards ensuring people with the disability have access to information and live normal lives.
Hearing aids are custom-made sound-amplifying devices designed to help people who have developed hearing loss.
Speaking during an ear, nose and throat (ENT) health camp held here last week, director of disability affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Christine Peta, said the programme was targeting the vulnerable.
“Today is the launch of a long journey,” she said.
“This ENT camp is targeting to screen 750 schoolchildren, carrying out specific diagnosis of the hearing problem, which a child may be experiencing and offer solutions, given that this camp does not end without distribution of hearing aids.
“From our statistics, we are expecting to fit 100 learners with hearing aids here.
“Our partners, WizEar, have brought us specialists and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to offer free hearing health services.
“As I said, this is just the beginning.
“Our target is to distribute 500 free hearing aids in 2023; and in 2024, we expect to distribute at least 700 fittings.”
WizEar is a private voluntary organisation that is fitting free hearing aids countrywide through funding from the Hear The World Foundation.
WizEar programmes director Mrs Lucia Nkomo praised the Government for supporting the initiative.
“We are very proud to say we have the full support from President Mnangagwa — through our collaboration with the Department of Disability Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” she said.
“We aim to ensure that all people with hearing loss are fitted with hearing aids.
“We are doing this free of charge.
“We are happy because hearing issues have not been getting enough attention, but the Zimbabwean Government has shown its full commitment to it.”
“When one has a hearing impairment, it does not mean they need hearing aids; some just need cleaning, so we are also offering such service to people.”
A team of ENT doctors, nurses and technicians; general practitioners; and audiologists offered their services free of charge.
The cost of the services that were on offer amounted to between US$1 800 and US$2 200 per individual patient.
According to the World Health Organisation, one out of four
adolescents has a hearing impairment.
In Zimbabwe, approximately 1,5 million people have hearing problems, with 38 000 under the age of eight.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter