Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to mark World Hearing Day 2026, with the Federal Government announcing an expansion of its National Eye Health Programme to include hearing and other sensory health services.
In a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the commemoration, held on March 3, aligns with the global initiative led by the World Health Organization to promote hearing health and prevent hearing loss.
This year’s theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child,” underscores the need for coordinated efforts that connect community-based awareness with school-level interventions to ensure that no child is left behind.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said hearing plays a vital role in communication, learning, and social integration, particularly for children whose cognitive development, academic performance, and emotional well-being depend significantly on it.
He noted that more than 34 million children globally are living with disabling hearing loss, with a substantial number in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
According to the minister, preventable factors such as untreated ear infections, prolonged exposure to loud noise, maternal infections during pregnancy, and inadequate early screening services continue to drive childhood hearing impairment in the country.
He warned that untreated hearing loss could result in delayed speech development, poor academic performance, and long-term socio-economic challenges. Citing global data, Salako said up to 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through timely interventions such as vaccination, early detection, and proper ear care.
As part of efforts to strengthen the national response, the minister announced that the Federal Government has expanded the mandate of the National Eye Health Programme to cover ear, hearing, and other sensory health services. The initiative will now operate as the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Health Functions Programme.
He explained that the expansion is in line with WHO recommendations and is aimed at improving coordination and reducing the burden of hearing loss nationwide.
Salako further disclosed that Eye Health Desk Officers in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have had their responsibilities broadened to include hearing health.
He added that the ministry is developing governance structures, policies, and national guidelines to fully integrate hearing and sensory health into the country’s healthcare system.
Emphasising community involvement, the minister urged parents, caregivers, and primary healthcare workers to watch for early warning signs such as delayed response to sound, recurrent ear pain, and speech delays, and to seek prompt medical attention.
He also highlighted the role of schools, stating that the government 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.
The minister called on parents, educators, healthcare providers, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to support efforts to safeguard children’s hearing.
He stressed that simple measures — including protecting children from excessive noise, ensuring timely immunisation, and conducting regular hearing checks — could prevent the majority of childhood hearing loss.
Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can hear clearly, both within their communities and in classrooms across the country.