Samoa joined countries around the world on 3 March to mark World Hearing Day, with this year’s theme: “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children.”

The campaign highlights the importance of early detection of hearing problems and active involvement from families, teachers and communities to protect children’s hearing health at home and in school.

The Ministry of Health is leading a week of activities through its ENT Unit and Clinical Services and Rehabilitation Division. 

Programs include school hearing screenings, community education sessions and training for nurses and doctors to strengthen hearing services at the main hospital and expand them to rural health facilities.

“Community engagement is key to ensuring that hearing issues are identified early,” said Dr Sione Pifeleti, head of the ENT Unit. 

He also said early detection can prevent complications and support lifelong hearing health.

Despite limited staff, the ministry said ongoing training for health workers and community education programs will help address challenges and improve access to care.

Activities were held at Le Amosa o Savavau School and the Anglican Church School. Schools also received hearing health education materials with technical support from the World Health Organisation.

“Hearing is a gift from God, love it, enjoy it, and look after it,” said Dr Annette Kaspar, principal audiologist at the ministry.

The ministry acknowledged support from the Asian Development Bank through the New Vaccines Project, in partnership with the government, which helped support the ministry’s activities on the day.

The Ministry of Health said early detection and community-centred care remain a priority, especially for children and young people, to ensure hearing problems are treated before they worsen.