World Hearing Day (WHD) is annually observed across the globe on 3rd March to raise awareness regarding hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care. The day also call for action to address hearing loss and related issues.
- 3rd March 2024 marks the observance of the 18th WHD.
The theme of WHD 2024 is ‘Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!’
- Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) decides the theme of WHD and develops evidence-based advocacy materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, banners, infographics and presentations, among others.
Background:
i.The “Beijing Declaration”, which was adopted during the first international conference on the prevention and rehabilitation of hearing impairment in Beijing, China in 2007, suggested the establishment of “International Ear Care Day”, for promoting global actions on hearing care.
ii.The conference was jointly hosted by The China Rehabilitation Research Centre for Deaf Children (CRRCDC), Beijing, the Chinese Disabled People’ Federation (CDPF), Beijing, and WHO.
iii. The first-ever International Ear Care Day was observed on 3rd March 2007.
iv.International Ear Care Day was renamed as World Hearing Day in 2016.
Significance:
i.According to the WHO, Hearing loss has often been referred to as an “invisible disability”.
ii.Around 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unaddressed across the globe.
iii.Such unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of nearly USD 980 billion each year.
iv.This is the cost incurred due to the impact of hearing loss without rehabilitation access, including productivity losses and social exclusion.
WHD 2024 – Objective:
i.To combat the common myths and stigmatizing mindsets related to ear and hearing problems among the general public and healthcare providers.
ii.To provide accurate and evidence-based information to reshape public understanding of hearing impairments.
iii.To urge countries and civil society to address misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets towards hearing loss, thereby ensuring equitable access to ear and hearing care.
Additional Info:
i.On WHD 2024, the World Hearing Forum (WHF), WHO, and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health (CGHH) invited proposals for WHF-CGHH Small Grants.
ii.Awareness programs were also conducted by WHO’s Member States, partners and stakeholders.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment- 1948
