ABC Donates Audiology Equipment to Ministry of Health in Malawi
Partnership Aims to Improve Access to Audiology Services in Malawi
Lilongwe, Malawi - African Bible College (ABC) Clinic and Training Center has generously donated essential audiological equipment to the Ministry of Health, marking a significant step towards establishing a basic diagnostic audiology clinic, writes Abraham Bisayi.
The donation, which includes otoscopes, tympanometers, and audiometers, was received by Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daud MP.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Daud highlighted the positive impact it will have on the accessibility of audiology services for Malawians throughout the year.
The equipment will be allocated to the four central hospitals, aligning with the Ministry of Health's commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 of Good Health and Well-being, particularly in the area of essential health service coverage.
"We are very grateful for this donation," said Daud.
"As a ministry, we have already appointed the first 6 audiologists within the four central hospitals of Malawi. They will utilize this equipment to diagnose and provide treatment for a wide range of ear and hearing issues."
Daud also urged all stakeholders to collaborate under the National Plan for Ear and Hearing Care to further enhance the quality and accessibility of audiology services in Malawi.
According to the 2018 World Health Organization survey, approximately 4.5 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, including one million in Malawi, are affected by hearing loss, with children being particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Lawrence Hill, ABC Audiology Clinical Manager, emphasized the critical role of early intervention in addressing this issue, as hearing problems often hinder children's education.
"The need for intervention is great, and the consequences without it are dire," explained Hill.
"Children with disabilities face challenges in advancing to higher levels of education and are therefore restricted in their academic and career aspirations."
The generous donation was made possible through the partnership between the Australian-based mission organization EARS Incorporated, the African Bible College (ABC) Hearing Clinic & Training Centre, and the J. K. Wonderland Trust.
This collaborative effort aims to improve access to audiology services and support the well-being of individuals with hearing impairments in Malawi.