Government Strengthens Access to Specialised Ear and Hearing Care
Nairobi, Kenya - - Expanding access to specialised ear and hearing services remains a key priority in the Government’s drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed this commitment during a briefing on the Ear and Hearing Care Programme at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, where he underscored the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation for hearing loss.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that hearing loss affects more than one million Kenyans, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in specialised care. He welcomed progress in early hearing detection, with 80 newborns screened since January and more than 900 children assessed following this year’s World Hearing Day, supporting Kenya’s progress towards the globally recommended 1-3-6 target for early hearing screening, diagnosis and intervention. He also commended the impact of Kenya’s Cochlear Implant Programme in restoring hearing and improving the quality of life for children living with profound hearing loss.
Hon. Duale further praised the partnership between KUTRRH, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the Hear the World Foundation under the Building a World of Play initiative, noting that it has expanded access to hearing devices, strengthened specialist training and extended hearing aid fitting services to six counties, benefiting hundreds of children with hearing impairments.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the role of the Social Health Authority in improving financial access to specialised ENT services, noting that the scheme covers basic ENT procedures up to KSh40,000 and complex multidisciplinary surgeries up to KSh800,000. He welcomed ongoing consultations to expand the benefits package to include additional audiology and rehabilitation services.
Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with healthcare institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to expand quality ear and hearing care services across the country, ensuring more Kenyans benefit from timely diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Present were Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, Director Curative Services Dr Toro, Director of Special Needs Education Fredrick Haga, KUTRRH Board Chairperson James Kabugu, KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Zeinab Gura and other Government officials.