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Organization: Centre For Disability In Development (CDD)
Title: Empowering Communities: CDD’s 2025 Initiative for Ear and Hearing Care
Alternate tite:
Empowering communities: CDD’s 2025 initiative for ear and hearing care
Description:
Events of CDD to celebrate World Hearing Day, 2025
The Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) was established in 1996 with the goal of creating a society where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to services. CDD began celebrating World Hearing Day in 2011, recognizing the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and improved hearing healthcare services in Bangladesh. Since then, the organization has been actively promoting ear and hearing care through various initiatives and has been regularly reporting its efforts to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Webinar on Inclusive Hearing Health:
On March 2, 2025, CDD hosted a webinar titled “Transforming Mindsets for Inclusive Hearing Health.” The session focused on raising awareness about hearing-related issues, reducing stigma, and integrating hearing care into primary healthcare services. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the negative impact of noise pollution and the importance of early intervention in preventing hearing loss.
The webinar brought together 84 participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), NGOs, and hearing health organizations. Experts from the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the National Institute of ENT (NIENT), and WHO-Bangladesh shared valuable insights on hearing healthcare challenges and opportunities. The session emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between different organizations to improve hearing health services at the community level.
Awareness Sessions on Hearing Health:
To spread awareness at the grassroots level, CDD conducted 17 awareness sessions targeting different community groups. These sessions were organized with Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Students and teachers, and Community members. The aim was to address misconceptions and stigma related to hearing loss and ear care. A total of 312 individuals participated, including 37 persons with disabilities. These sessions played a crucial role in educating the community and encouraging proactive hearing care practices.
Advocacy Meetings with Healthcare Providers:
CDD and its partner organizations also engaged in advocacy efforts to improve hearing healthcare services. Two advocacy meetings were held with Primary Healthcare (PHC) providers and local government representatives to help them better understand the needs of people with hearing loss and ear diseases. 15 PHC providers participated in these discussions, highlighting the need for increased access to hearing screenings, assistive devices, and specialized services at the community level.
Community Rallies for Mass Awareness:
To further engage the public, CDD organized four community rallies with the participation of 79 people. These rallies aimed to:
• Create mass awareness about hearing health.
• Encourage local leaders and decision-makers to prioritize ear and hearing care services.
Through these rallies, CDD successfully captured the attention of local stakeholders and emphasized the urgent need for improved hearing health policies.
Hearing Screening Camps:
CDD also conducted two hearing screening camps, where 23 individuals received ear screenings. Among them, four individuals were provided with hearing aids, significantly improving their quality of life. These camps ensured that people with hearing difficulties received timely diagnosis and appropriate support.
Primary site: SEAR- Bangladesh
General Photos
Hearing screening conducted at the Screening Camp
Still photograph of the webinar organized by CDD
Organizing Rally to observe WHD 2025
Community people sharing their feedback during the awareness
Types of Engagement:
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: No
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: 41
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No