Suleiman Hearing and Educational Foundation (SHEF), in collaboration with the Daura Emirate Council, organized a free community ear and hearing care program in Daura Local Government Area, Katsina State on 30th July 2019. This partnership aimed to leverage the Emirate Council’s influence within the community to maximize outreach and ensure the success of the initiative. With the support of local leaders, the program sought to address hearing health challenges in underserved areas and provide essential care to residents.
Objectives of the Partnership:
1. Increase Community Outreach: By partnering with the Daura Emirate Council, SHEF aimed to reach a wider audience, especially in rural and remote parts of Daura, ensuring that individuals who might not typically seek care could benefit.
2. Raise Awareness Through Trusted Voices: With the Emirate Council’s support, the program aimed to dispel misconceptions surrounding hearing impairments and create a supportive environment for those in need of care.
3. Deliver Essential Ear and Hearing Care: Provide free hearing assessments, hearing aids, and educational resources to individuals with hearing impairments, with a focus on those with limited access to healthcare.
Program Highlights:
1. Community Mobilization: The Daura Emirate Council played a crucial role in mobilizing community members through announcements in local mosques, community centers, and traditional gatherings. This helped attract individuals who otherwise might have been unaware or hesitant to participate.
2. Public Awareness Sessions: Local leaders from the Emirate Council opened the event with discussions on ear health, addressing common myths, and encouraging residents to embrace the benefits of early detection and treatment. The Council’s involvement in these sessions helped to foster a culturally sensitive approach to ear health education.
3. Free Hearing Screenings and Assessments: Audiologists provided free hearing screenings for all attendees. Those who were diagnosed with hearing loss received counseling on their condition and were advised on available support options.
4. Distribution of Hearing Aids and Counseling: For individuals diagnosed with significant hearing impairments, SHEF provided free hearing aids, along with training on proper use and maintenance. This initiative enabled these individuals to regain a sense of normalcy and improve their social and family interactions.
5. Referral Support: In cases requiring advanced medical intervention, the Emirate Council assisted in connecting these individuals with nearby healthcare facilities. Referrals ensured continuity of care for residents who required further treatment beyond the outreach event.
This initiative reflects SHEF’s dedication to transforming lives through hearing care and education and highlights the positive outcomes achievable through community-driven partnerships.
