135 Million Africans Have Hearing Problems, Says WHO

The World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has said an estimated 135 million people have ear and hearing problems in Africa

Moeti also said the numbers are rising, and at the current rate, it is likely that by 2050 there could be over 338 million people affected by ear and hearing issues in Africa.

She made this known in a press statement to commemorate the 2023 World Hearing Day.

World Hearing Day is celebrated every March 3 to raise awareness of deafness and hearing loss prevention and promote ear and hearing care worldwide. This year’s theme is “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality.”

According to Moeti, the burden of ear and hearing problems reflects significant inequalities disproportionately impacting marginalised populations.

“Globally, over 1.5 billion people live with ear problems and hearing loss, nearly 80 per cent living in low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, an estimated 135 million people have ear and hearing problems. These numbers are rising. At the current rate, it is likely that by 2050 there could be over 338 million people affected by ear and hearing issues in Africa,” she said.

She acknowledged efforts made by countries to address hearing care by developing and implementing national strategies for ear health.