Organization: Integrated Community and Reproductive Health Initiate (ICRHI)
Title: Healthy Ears, Better Learning: Early Hearing Screening and Awareness among Pupils at Rwakaterere Orphanage Primary School.
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Healthy ears, better learning: Early hearing screening and awareness among pupils at Rwakaterere Orphanage Primary School.
Description:
the event will be conducted at rwakaterere orphanage primary school in the biafra slum area of kakiiika, mbarara City. It will include school based ear and hearing screening for pupils to identify common and preventable ear conditions such as impacted ear wax, otitis media, and suspected hearing loss.
health education sessions will be conducted for pupils and teachers using WHO educational materials, focusing on ear hygiene, prevention of ear infections, early signs of hearing loss, and appropriate care-seeking behaviour. Teachers will be oriented on how to identify learners with possible hearing difficulties and supported with simple screening checklists.
children identified with ear or hearing problems will be referred to kakiiika health centre or other nearby health facilities for further assessment and management, strengthening referral pathways between schools and primary health care services.
data and success stories from the activity will be documented to demonstrate impact and promote replication in other underserved schools.
Primary site: AFR – Uganda
Region: AFR
Impactful Story:
During World Hearing Day 2025, we conducted an outreach activity in Kajogo slum targeting boda boda riders and market traders, who are frequently exposed to harmful noise levels. Ear and hearing screening and awareness sessions on hearing loss prevention were conducted. One beneficiary, Tom, a boda boda rider, was identified with an ear condition affecting his hearing. He was referred to Kyamugorani Health Facility for further assessment and treatment. After receiving appropriate care, his hearing improved significantly. This activity demonstrated how early identification, referral, and awareness can prevent avoidable hearing loss and improve livelihoods in underserved communities.
General Photos
Community education session in kajogo slum Mbarara, Uganda
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, indigenous communities
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: Yes
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: Yes