Integrating person-centred ear and hearing care in health- and social-care systems in Georgia was central to stakeholder discussions during a recent WHO policy dialogue in Tbilisi. Over 190 million people in the WHO European Region live with some degree of hearing loss, and ear and hearing problems are among the most common health issues. In Georgia, much progress has been made to improve service accessibility for people living with these conditions, but challenges remain.
Dr Tamar Gabunia, First Deputy Minister for Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, opened the 2-day event by pointing to the importance of engaging in dialogue and enacting change: “We all know that hearing loss can result in limitations to a person’s functioning, but we also know that many ways to mitigate hearing loss are now available.”
WHO Representative in Georgia Dr Silviu Domente highlighted that less than a quarter of cases of ear and hearing conditions are currently identified, and that stigma and discrimination persist: “We often associate hearing problems with ageing, but they are also an issue among children and young people. Early identification and intervention at younger ages are crucial to avoid negative consequences later in life.”
How WHO supports ear and hearing care in Georgia
In 2017, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on the prevention of deafness and hearing loss, urging countries to integrate ear and hearing care within their primary health- and social-care systems. Based on available evidence, 60% of hearing problems can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care.
Concrete efforts include improving access to high-quality hearing assistive technology and alternative methods of communication, training the health-care workforce, and increasing the availability of promotion and prevention programmes such as vaccination and behaviour-change campaigns for safe listening.
In its 2021 World Report on Hearing, WHO explains how common and significant hearing loss is, recommending that ear and hearing care be available at all levels of care. It also lists cost-effective interventions and proposals to monitor progress.
Identifying challenges and solutions
Through a series of engaging presentations and workshops, participants at the policy dialogue drew a picture of ear and hearing care in Georgia, compared this to the recommendations of the World Report on Hearing, and identified priorities and strategies for improving the lives of people with ear and hearing conditions.
Sharing country experience was a key element of the event, and international experts offered insights from similar initiatives in other areas of the Region. Participants also committed to drafting a strategy and action plan for ear and hearing care in Georgia in the coming months, turning vision and commitment into concrete action for people with ear and hearing conditions.