As the World commemorates World Hearing Day tomorrow (03/03/2023), the Ministry of Health wishes to remind Batswana and all residents of this country about the importance of ear and hearing care. Given the rate at which people are losing their hearing with some becoming totally deaf, the United Nations (UN) through the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the 3rd of March of every year, as International Ear Care Day, which became World Hearing Day in 2016. The main aim of this day is to raise awareness about deafness and the importance of ear care. As a result, the Ministry of Health would like to remind Batswana and all residents of this country, about the importance of this aspect of their health. This year’s commemoration is held under the theme, “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality.”
The theme encourages everyone to make a commitment to ensuring that they promote ear and hearing care at all times. Botswana’s Vision 2036 believes that health and wellness are basic human rights and aspires for a healthy nation by 2036. Similarly the UN Sustainable Development Goal number three, underscores the importance of healthy living by all people of the world and aspires for this noble goal to have been achieved by 2030.
The ministry facilities across the country, stand ready to assist all Batswana on ear and hearing care conditions, for early diagnosis and possible prevention of complications. Audiology and Ear, Nose and Throat services are available in the country to help correct or restore people’s ear health conditions. For all Batswana below the age of 18 or above the age of 65, who have been determined to be suffering from severe ear health conditions, the ministry provides free hearing assistive devices. For others outside these age brackets, the ministry provides hearing assistive devices at subsidized fees.
The Ministry of Health therefore, calls upon all Batswana to take their ear health seriously and always seek medical attention when they suspect to have some ear conditions. They should also ensure that they avoid anything that can expose their ear health to danger, like loud noise. Playing loud music or staying for prolonged periods of time in very noisy areas without any ear protection, can put them at high risk of ear damage which can cause hearing loss (deafness).
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Dr Christopher Nyanga
For Permanent Secretary
