By KP Reporter
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm over a potential surge in hearing loss across Africa, predicting that the number of affected individuals could reach 54 million by 2030 unless urgent measures are taken. Currently, 40 million people on the continent live with hearing loss, costing Africa an estimated $27 million annually, the UN agency reported.
Launched at the African Summit on Hearing Impairment in Nairobi, Kenya, the WHO report reveals that hearing loss disproportionately affects the continent’s poor and vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequalities in access to healthcare.
The report highlights the severe shortage of ear and hearing care (EHC) specialists, with over half of African countries having just one ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist per million people. In contrast, Europe has roughly 50 specialists per million people. This workforce gap is mostly felt in rural areas, further straining healthcare resources.
“Although 33 million Africans could benefit from hearing aids, only 10 percent have access to them due to the lack of EHC financing and high treatment costs,” WHO noted.
Children are especially vulnerable, with preventable causes such as infections and birth complications accounting for up to 75% of hearing loss cases in low and middle-income countries. Despite this, hearing screenings for newborns remain scarce across the continent.
The WHO recommends countries prioritize ear and hearing care by integrating it into existing health programs, bolstering public-private partnerships, and securing dedicated financing for EHC services.
Without swift action, the report warns, Africa will continue to face worsening health inequalities, with far-reaching social and economic consequences.