By: Aaron B. Nemah
Health practitioners in Maryland County marked World Hearing Day on March 3, 2026, with a campaign to promote hearing healthcare.
The event was organized by Church Aid Incorporated, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Partners in Health, under the theme: “Protect Your Hearing Health from Community to School”.
During the program, Dr. Helena C. Wakarwee, an ear specialist from Zambia, emphasized the importance of protecting hearing health, sharing her experience treating ear problems at the Pleebo Health Center.
The World Hearing Day event in Pleebo, kicked off with a parade through the main streets, raising awareness about hearing health. The march culminated at the Pleebo City Hall, where Dr. Wakarwee and her team set up an ear screening clinic.
The team treated 25 individuals with ear problems, providing much-needed relief to the community.
For their part, patients expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wakarwee, praising the much-needed service she provided.
“This diagnosis will be a turning point in our lives,” said one patient. Many had long-suffered from ear problems, and the free treatment brought hope for a better quality of life. The community’s appreciation for the ear specialist’s work was palpable, with some calling it a “blessing” to have her expertise in Pleebo.
This year’s World Hearing Day theme focused on preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss and ensuring early identification and care for children with ear or hearing problems.
The event aimed at raising awareness about hearing health and promoting early detection and treatment.