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Organization: Shomea
Title: Changing Mindsets through sensitization campaigns and hearing screening in different populations
Alternate tite:
Changing mindsets through sensitization campaigns and hearing screening in different populations
Description:
On March 3rd, 2025, Shomea proudly joined the global health community in commemorating World Hearing Day with impactful, on-the-ground activities across Douala, Cameroon. This year’s theme called on us to challenge the stigma, silence, and inaction surrounding hearing loss—and Shomea responded with a full day of sensitization, screening, and advocacy.
Event Highlights
Sensitization Campaign:
Over 170 individuals—including patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—participated in a powerful awareness session about early hearing loss detection, risk factors, and available interventions. This session aimed to shift attitudes and equip communities to act early, especially for vulnerable populations. We also aimed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with hearing disabilities in our communities.
New-born Hearing Screening:
At the Douala Bonassama District Hospital Immunization Clinic, Shomea conducted a two-days hearing screening campaign where 33 new-born babies were screened, integrating ear and hearing care into postnatal services. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to institutionalize early detection through our COHVIN model implemented in this hospital since the year 2022. We also used this opportunity to talk to this centre’s management team to ensure continued integration of our new-born screening program.
Sickle Cell Patient Screening:
In collaboration with the Douala Laquintinie Integrated Centre for Sickle Cell Patients, Shomea carried out hearing and vision screenings for children and adolescents affected by Sickle Cell Disease. These sensory impairments are frequently neglected, despite becoming more common as the life expectancy of these patients improves. The activity also served as a platform to educate and equip healthcare providers at the centre with practical skills for identifying early signs of hearing and vision loss, enabling timely referrals and better patient outcomes.
National-Level Advocacy:
Shomea had the honour of meeting with Professor Richard Njock, Secretary General at the Ministry of Public Health, to present our findings and advocate for a nationwide rollout of new-born and school-based hearing and vision screening programs. The meeting was a pivotal step toward securing sustainable public health strategies that reach every child in Cameroon.
Impact and Outlook
This year’s World Hearing Day at Shomea was not just an event – it was a movement to normalize care, build public trust, and push for systemic change. By aligning our grassroots interventions with high-level advocacy, we continue to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our partners, volunteers, and healthcare workers who made this day possible. Together, we are changing mindsets and making ear and hearing care a reality for all.
Primary site: AFR – Cameroon
Impactful Story:
During Shomea’s World Hearing Day new-born screening, a five-day-old baby was identified with a potential hearing loss after failing the initial test. Thanks to our early detection program, the baby is now undergoing follow-up for a definitive diagnosis and timely intervention. Without this screening, the condition may have gone unnoticed until much later, missing a critical window for speech and cognitive development. This simple yet powerful act of screening gave the baby a chance at a brighter, more connected future- proof that early detection and intervention can change the course of a life and that of his family.
General Photos
Shomea – New-Born screening with Pass result
Shomea and Secretary General at Ministry of Public Health
Shomea – Hearing and Vision screening Sickle Cell Patients
Shomea’s powerful World Hearing Day Implementation team
Types of Engagement:
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: People living with Sickle Cell Disease
Participation of policy makers: No
Participation of influencers: Yes