NATIONAL POLICY AND STRATEGIC PLAN FOR EAR AND HEARING CARE (2019)

A Plan provides a framework for preventing hearing loss and improving access to ear care services in Nigeria. It targets persons with hearing impairments, audiologists, community health workers, and schools. This aims to integrate hearing care into the primary health system.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's first dedicated national policy for ear and hearing care, providing a framework for preventing hearing loss, improving access to ear care services, and rehabilitating persons with hearing impairment.

Who Does It Target?

Persons with hearing loss or ear disorders Audiologists, ENT specialists, and community health workers Schools and educational institutions managing deaf students State and federal health system managers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Prevent hearing loss through immunisation and newborn screening, detect hearing impairment early, provide rehabilitation and hearing aids, and integrate hearing care into the primary health care system.

Key Features

Prevention Focus: Promotes immunisation against rubella and meningitis, safe birthing practices, and avoidance of ototoxic drugs to prevent hearing loss. Newborn Hearing Screening: Advocates universal newborn hearing screening programmes in hospitals. Rehabilitation Services: Supports provision of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and sign language education for persons with hearing loss. Workforce Development: Plans for training of audiologists, audiology technicians, and community-level hearing care workers.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Implementation ongoing Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Persons with hearing loss; estimated 15 million Nigerians Funding: Federal Ministry of Health; WHO and donor support

How to Access

Access hearing care services at ENT departments of tertiary hospitals Newborn hearing screening available at hospitals with screening programmes Hearing aids may be accessed through government rehabilitation centres Application method: Engage ENT/audiology departments at federal and state teaching hospitals.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health - Non-Communicable Diseases Division

Legal Framework

The National Policy and Strategic Plan for Ear and Hearing Care operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019, and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act. It aligns with the WHO World Report on Hearing (2021), the WHO Global Action Plan for Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Loss, and the SDG 3.8 target on Universal Health Coverage. The Audiologists Registration Board of Nigeria Act governs the professional practice framework.