CARIBBEAN-HEALTH -Caribbean urged to invest in prevention and care for hearing loss

UNITED NATIONS, CMC – The United Nations health agency is calling on Caribbean and other governments around the world to invest in hearing care, as a new survey finds that many countries lack the capacity According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of all cases of hearing loss worldwide are easily prevented or treated. However, a report published by the agency on the occasion of International Ear Care Day, observed last Monday, says that just 32 of the 76 countries who responded to a WHO survey have developed plans and programmes to prevent and control ear diseases and hearing loss. WHO said many countries lack trained health personnel, educational facilities, data and national plans to address the needs of those living with ear and hearing problems.