Organization: Rwanda Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Society
Title: From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
Description:
Hearing loss and ear disease represent a major yet under-addressed public health challenge globally and disproportionately affect populations in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Over 80% of individuals with disabling hearing loss live in LMICs, where access to hearing care services is limited by severe workforce shortages, centralized service delivery models, high costs of clinical technologies, and low community awareness.
Untreated hearing loss is associated with delayed language development, poor educational outcomes, reduced economic productivity, social isolation, and increased health system costs. These consequences highlight the urgent need for early detection, prevention, and timely management of ear and hearing conditions, particularly among children.
In line with this global initiative, the Rwanda Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Society (ROHNSS) actively participates each year by organizing activities that align with the annual theme and national priorities in ear and hearing health.
Primary site: AFR – Rwanda
Region: AFR
Impactful Story:
During the World Hearing Day 2026 screening at GS Cyivugiza, 8 year old Aline (name changed) was identified with hearing loss caused by bilateral earwax impaction. Previously seen as inattentive in class, her condition had gone unnoticed. The medical team performed on site earwax removal, leading to immediate improvement in her hearing and classroom participation. Her teacher reported increased attentiveness and engagement, while her mother expressed relief after understanding the cause of her difficulties. Aline’s case highlights the impact of early detection and simple treatment. It also raised awareness among teachers and parents, encouraging greater attention to children’s hearing health.
General Photos
Dr. Josiane Umutoni ENT Surgeon representing ROHNSS
ROHNSS school hearing screening, WHD 2026 Kigali
ROHNSS Team with Students of Primary 3
Child hearing test during WHD 2026 screening, Kigali
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: No
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, older adults, migrants or refugees
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No