WHO programme for prevention of deafness and hearing loss: update and report of the World Hearing Day
- Outcome of EB discussions on proposed resolution for deafness and hearing loss
I am pleased to report to all of you on the discussion on the subject of hearing loss and the proposed resolution. The subject was discussed in the executive board meeting yesterday afternoon. You can watch the proceedings through the link here http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/2016/wha69/eb-webstreaming/en/ (the parts pertaining to the deafness item 6.3 are from 53 minutes to 1hr 50 minutes approximately). As you will see, the following countries made statements: Algeria, Bhutan, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, DR Congo (spoke on behalf of the 47 countries of the African region), Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam, Zambia.
In addition, Dr Tavartkiladze delivered a statement of support, on behalf of ISA. Three of the countries, i.e. Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Turkey agreed to co-sponsor the resolution. Overall, all statements were very positive and supported WHO efforts and agenda. The resolution proposed was accepted with few, small amendments. http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB139/B139_5-en.pdf
The next step is that the resolution will be amended, as agreed upon by the Member States, and now come up for final approval and endorsement at the WHA next year in May 2017.
- Release of technical documents for planning of ear and hearing care strategies.
Two documents have been released in six languages to facilitate planning of ear and hearing care strategies by Member States. These include:
- Ear and hearing care – Planning & monitoring of national strategies – a manual
- Ear and hearing care – Situation analysis tool
Language translations will be available shortly at http://www.who.int/pbd/deafness/news/ear_hearing/en/
- World Hearing Day report
Please also find attached the report of the World Hearing Day 2016. The report can also be downloaded from http://www.who.int/pbd/deafness/world-hearing-day/2016/en/.
We had an active ‘Day’ with numerous activities around the world. This report summarizes the activity-reports which were received by WHO.
Thanks to everyone for making this a successful advocacy event. Our sincere apologies to all those partners that undertook activities which are not included in the report. We look forward to an even busier and successful Day in 2017.
- Make Listening Safe: discussions on safe listening devices
- A session on the Make Listening Safe initiative was organized at the World Summit on Information Society Forum 2016 on 2 May 2016 https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2016/Agenda/Session/183
- A workshop on global standards for Safe Listening Devices was held at the International Telecommunications Union on 6 June 2016. Programme and presentations can be accessed at: http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/safelistening/Pages/default.aspx
