By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria has taken a bold step to confront the silent crisis of childhood hearing loss as the Federal Government today marked the 2026 World Hearing Day with sweeping reforms aimed at protecting millions of children from preventable deafness.
Commemorating the global observance spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH & SW) unveiled an aggressive national strategy to tackle hearing impairment from communities to classrooms.
This year’s theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” sets the tone for what officials describe as a nationwide mobilisation to safeguard the future of Nigerian children.
Globally, more than 34 million children live with disabling hearing loss, a burden that weighs heavily on low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, did not mince words.
He revealed that preventable factors untreated ear infections, unchecked noise pollution, maternal infections during pregnancy, and weak early screening systems continue to fuel childhood hearing impairment across the country.
“When left unaddressed, hearing loss leads to delayed speech, poor academic performance and long-term socio-economic hardship,” Salako warned.
He stressed that up to 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through simple but timely interventions such as vaccination, early detection and proper ear care.
In a landmark announcement, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has expanded the scope of the National Eye Health Programme in line with WHO recommendations.
The programme will now operate as the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Functions Programme, broadening its mandate to coordinate ear, hearing and other sensory health services nationwide.
The expansion signals what officials describe as a strategic shift toward integrated sensory healthcare delivery.
Across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Eye Health Desk Officers will now oversee hearing health initiatives.
The Ministry is also developing new governance structures, policies and national guidelines to firmly embed hearing and sensory healthcare within Nigeria’s health system.
The government said the battle will begin at the grassroots.
Parents, caregivers and primary healthcare workers are being urged to watch for early warning signs delayed response to sound, frequent ear pain and speech delays and seek prompt medical attention.
Schools, too, are now on the frontline.
Plans are underway to expand newborn hearing screening, introduce routine hearing checks in primary schools, train teachers to detect early signs of hearing challenges and promote inclusive, hearing-friendly classrooms.
Salako called on parents, educators, healthcare professionals, civil society groups, development partners and the media to rally behind the initiative.
“Simple steps protecting children from excessive noise, ensuring timely vaccinations and conducting regular hearing checks can prevent the majority of childhood hearing loss,” he said.
The Federal Government, he added, envisions Nigeria where no child is condemned to silence.
A Nigeria where every child can hear from the vibrant sounds of their communities to the lessons echoing in their classrooms.
The message from Abuja is unmistakable: the era of neglect is over. Nigeria is moving to ensure that every child’s future is heard loud and clear.
