"Health": Over 10.4 Million Children Screened Under Early Detection and Treatment of Hearing Impairment in Newborns Initiative
The Ministry of Health announced the screening of over 10 million children and treatment of hearing impairment cases under the President's initiative since 2019.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Cairo – Nadeh Imam
The Ministry of Health and Population announced that it has provided hearing screening services to 10,430,227 children as part of the President’s initiative for the early detection and treatment of hearing impairment and loss among newborns, since its launch in September 2019.
The ministry’s official spokesperson, Dr. Hussam Abdel-Ghaffar, noted that the number of referral hospitals and centers for hearing services across all governorates has increased to 34 centers, up from 30, equipped with the latest medical devices and supplies.
He clarified that 73,245 children were referred for confirmatory re-screening one week after their initial test at the same unit. Additionally, 3,318 cochlear implant surgeries were performed, 13,694 hearing aids were fitted, and pharmacological treatment was provided to 27,300 children.
The spokesperson emphasized that the initiative aims to expand coverage under universal health care and provide high-quality care using the latest treatment methods, thereby contributing to ensuring a safe and healthy life for newborns, in line with the targets of the “100 Million Health” initiatives and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Abdel-Ghaffar pointed out that the number of hearing screening units has risen to 3,825 health facilities nationwide, covering newborns from the day of birth up to 28 days of age. He explained that failing the second test does not necessarily indicate hearing loss, but rather signals the need for advanced examinations at referral centers.
He added that nursing staff have been trained on otoacoustic emission devices, and data entry personnel have been trained to record children’s data electronically to create comprehensive health records, with a hearing screening field now included in birth certificates.
The ministry receives citizens’ inquiries regarding the initiative via the hotline 105, and the hotline 15335 dedicated to the “100 Million Health” initiatives.
