SHOMEA
Empowering Youths to Reduce Misconceptions and Stigmatizing Mindsets on Hearing Impairments
Primary site: AFR – Cameroon
Additional site(s):
SHOMEA’s events were implemented in the capital city of Cameroon, specifically at Maely’s Medical Center at Yaoundé I health district (Djoungolo) and in Success Primary School at Yaoundé V health district (Ngousso). To overcome the challenges posed by societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets, we organized sensitization campaigns, provided free hearing screening services, and raised awareness on news channels and newspapers.
A total of 242 people were reached physically while over 25000 people were reached through social media; we had an article published in the leading health newspaper in Cameroon (ECHOSANTE) raising awareness and emphasizing on mitigating myths about ear and hearing care especially in the Youthful population.
Of the 242 people screened, 23.1% were diagnosed with varying degrees of hearing impairments and linked to rehabilitation.
Our team consisted of specialised ENT surgeons and nurses (Mr. Afofou & Mrs. Takam) led by Dr. Winnie ANOUMEDEM and Dr. Brice & Gaelle VOFO.
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Met with individual policymakers: Yes
Participation of policymakers: No
Participation of influencers: Yes
WHO educational or publicity material used: Yes
WHD 2024 SHOMEA’s team – Campaign at Maely’s Medical Centre
WHD 2024 Hearing Screening by Mr. Afofou – SHOMEA
WHD 2024 Screening & Sensitization by Dr. ANOUMEDEM – SHOMEA
Press Release of SHOMEA’s WHD activities