Hearing disability: Mrs Buhari tasks Govt., stakeholders on treatment, diagnostic equipment

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called on the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure availability of diagnostic equipment for treatment of persons living with hearing disability in Nigeria.

Mrs Buhari made the call on Tuesday while delivering speech on occasion to mark the world hearing day 2017, which was organised by the State House Medical Centre in Abuja.

The theme of this year’s event was “Action for Hearing Loss, Make a Sound Investment.”

The wife of the President was represented by the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Mrs Mairo Al-Makura.

Mrs Buhari said that provision of medical services to persons living with hearing disability would assist to reducing the number of Nigerians suffering from hearing problems.

She said that the theme of the event also drew attention to the fact that taking action is indeed an investment.

According to her, hearing loss has economic repercussion and significant impact on the lives of those affected.

“Loss of hearing does not signify an end to life because interventions on hearing loss are available and are cost effective,” she said.

The wife of the president also stressed the need for Nigerians to be informed about the availability of such medical services for adequate care and prevention.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, expressed the Federal government’s determination to address challenges facing the sector.

Adewole, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Jack Momoh, said that the Federal Government had acquired state of the art facilities for the early dictation of hearing status of new-born baby.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Jalal Arabi, called on members of staff of the State House to value and guide their ear.

“We should strive to maintain our ear and hearing health,” he said.

Arabi, therefore, commended the President of OTO-RHINO – LARYNGOLOGICAL Society of Nigeria (ORLSON) Prof. O.G.B. Nwaorgu, for choosing the State House Medical Centre for this year’s world hearing day.