Along with the rest of the world, World Hearing Day (WHD) was observed across the state on March 3, under the theme “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all”.
Mon: District Health Society Mon observed the day at Little Flower School, on March 3, led by RBSK team under. A press release by Media Officer, NHM, Mon, informed that focusing on the significance of the day, MO RBSK, Dr Tsemtseh, explained students on do’s and don’t of good ear health, pointing that one should avoid ear buds, pay attention to pain, avoid using earphones at high volumes or long periods of time, get ears and hearing examined on regular basis, dry one’s ears after showering or swimming, and see specialist to have excess ear wax removed. He said hearing capabilities was dependent on how an person care for the ears today, asserting that many cases of hearing loss can be avoided by practicing safe listening and healthy hearing habits.
The release informed that Medical Officer Urban PHC, Dr Wanmei, and his staff along with RBSK team conducted an ear screening and overall health assessment.
Chunlikha PHC: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), under the National Health Mission, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, successfully observed the day at Chunlikha PHC on March 3, aimed to raise awareness about hearing health and the importance of early detection and intervention.
A press release IEC Bureau, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, informed that health talk on NPPCD was delivered by Senior Specialist, NHAK, Dr Lozino, who delivered insightful knowledge emphasizing critical role of early diagnosis and intervention in preventing hearing loss.
She highlighted that hearing impairment was a growing public health concern and stressed the importance of routine hearing screenings, especially among children and the elderly.
She further explained that noise pollution, untreated infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, and lack of awareness are major contributing factors to hearing loss.
Delivering keynote address Deputy Director, DHFW, Dr. Thomas Keppen, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable ear and hearing care for all. He pointed out that hearing impairment not only affects an individual’s quality of life but also has social and economic implications if left untreated.
Dr. Keppen further stressed the need for strengthening primary healthcare facilities to offer early screening and treatment services, particularly in rural areas. He also urged stakeholders, including health workers, educators, and community leaders, to work together in promoting hearing health awareness.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto, in collaboration with NPPCD observed the day at Government Middle School, Nito Mount. The session was led by ENT Specialist, District Hospital Zunheboto, Dr Josia Sema, who educated participants on common causes of deafness, preventive measures, and the need for timely medical intervention.
A free ear screening camp was also conducted by RBSK mobile health team Zunheboto in coordination with Dr Josia. The screening focused on early detection of hearing impairments, including common conditions such as earwax impaction and early signs of hearing loss.
During the camp children diagnosed with Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and other hearing-related concerns were referred to higher healthcare facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Tuensang: District Health Society Tuensang launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) and also observed World Hearing Day under the theme “Changing Mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all’’ at District Hospital Tuensang on March 3, 2025.
DPO (RMNCAH+N) Dr. Y.Waulong Phom, gave a briefed on goal objectives of SUMAN, vision and UMAN initiative. He also emphasized on the importance of quality assurance under SUMAN, entitlement under the initiative, notification of facilities under SUMAN, community engagement and gestational diabetes mellitus- operational guideline.
OBG & Gynae District hospital Tuensang Dr.Nungsang, presented on conducting quality ANC (Clinical) and recording in MCP card with focus on high-risk pregnancy identification, gestational diabetes mellitus –focus on diagnosis at all levels of facilities and referral for management at FRU. DPM (QA) Mununo Vero, took session on NQAS certification of SUMAN facilities along with self-assessment checklist of SUMAN facilities.
DPM,NHM Mongko Chollen, highlighted high risk pregnancy format-identification and tracking format as per new guideline with incentivisation, improving 1st ANC and 4 ANC along with reporting in HMIS. A free ear screening camp was led by ENT Specialist District hospital Tuensang Dr.Chensangba Chang and assisted by nurses of district hospital Tuensang. More than 80 people screened at the camp.