Improving the care of hearing-impaired children at the Kolda Regional Hospital

The project to improve the care of hearing-impaired children at the Kolda Regional Hospital is being implemented in the Department of Kolda, Senegal. According to data from the Kolda Regional Hospital as of November 30^th, 2023, there are about 302 children aged 5 to 15 years with hearing disabilities who are suffering from ORL problems (Service d’Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie: Ear, Nose and Throat Service).

This project aims to care for these hearing-impaired children by ensuring correction of hearing, speech and demutization with a view to their education in all school disciplines and a harmonious integration into the environment as autonomous individuals who are capable of communicating with those around them without gestures. This is achieved through screening activities, the provision of hearing-aids as well as awareness-raising and training of children and parents.

The YOU Foundation and its local partner HOPE’87 Senegal have been working in this region since 2016 and have also supplied the Kolda Regional Hospital with endoscopy equipment to observe oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, using a flexible tube equipped with a small camera, and to practice samples and surgical procedures. This has enabled 1,321 people to access primary health care as of December 31^st, 2023, according to the hospital’s consultation records, and has reduced the distances that needed to be travelled in order to access these services.

As integral part of the project, free care for consultation services for deaf-mute children and early detection of hearing impairment is offered. Hearing aids are provided free of charge to vulnerable hearing-impaired children with the support of the ORL department of the Kolda Regional Hospital. Furthermore, awareness-raising sessions among parents and communities are organised which sensitize the participants to the care of hearing-impaired children as well as to techniques for using and maintaining the hearing aids.

This project supports the State of Senegal in achieving SDG 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” and is thus consistent with the mission of the YOU Foundation in Senegal.