Syria launches National program for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention in Newborns

Damascus- Syria on Saturday launched The National Program for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention in Newborns.

During the ceremony of launching the program, First Lady, Mrs. Asma Al-Assad, made a speech in which she said that early detection of hearing deficiency in newborns is possible and available, pointing out that treatment will be very effective in case the suitable intervention takes place at the suitable time.

“This is a joint responsibility that should be shouldered by all, as it is the core of the National program for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention in Newborns, she stressed.

“It is no secret to any of you that healthcare is one of the most important criteria that assess the progress and advancement of societies, as it reflects the human and productive aspects of these societies, including their developmental and social implications, given the fact that building a healthy person is a humanitarian and moral responsibility,” Mrs. Asma said.

“Over decades, the availability of medical treatment for patients was the most important criterion that measures the progress of general health, but the great scientific development achieved globally in this field has changed the criteria, and today, prevention of diseases has become the most important criterion today, exceeding treatment and the medical care that follows, she added.

“Prevention reduces the occurrence of diseases or at least makes treatment more effective,” she affirmed.

Mrs. Asma went on to say that prevention also contributes to reducing the huge costs of healthcare, which constitutes a very heavy burden even on the budgets of rich countries, so what if the countries have limited resources, besieged or being fought? Prevention will definitely be of great importance.

She emphasized that children occupy the first priority in medical services, as the safety and good health of the children of any homeland reflect the safety and health of their society and their future.

Mrs. Asma explained that children with hearing loss have problems with speaking and are unable to communicate or interact with their environment and unable to learn or make any achievement, reiterating the duty of the family, the society and the state to support these children through early detection of hearing deficiency and early intervention, particularly as early detection of hearing deficiency in newborns is possible and available and that treatment will be very effective in case the suitable intervention takes place at the suitable time.

“This is a joint responsibility that should be shouldered by all of us, as it is the core of the National program for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention in Newborns we are launching today,” she stressed.

Mrs. Asma pointed out that the program is not being launched from the zero point, but from an advanced stage based on years of accumulated national experience as well as qualified medical and technical staff and new centers with modern equipment.

She made it clear that National program for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention is an important step forward in the health field, as it is a vital embodiment of the general health policies which Syria has started to adopt in accelerating steps.

She pointed out that many big challenges are facing the program at the national level, yet, these challenges will not be a justification for not pressing ahead with work, production and achievement at different levels and in all fields, because the failure in any sector doesn’t prevent progress in other sectors.

She clarified that just as illnesses need appropriate treatment at suitable time, crises also, no matter how complicated they are, end through right and hard work at the right time.

In his speech, Minister of Health Hassan Al-Ghabbash affirmed the importance of the program, which includes early hearing screening, detection and diagnosis in all newborns in Syria, pointing out that the Ministry, in cooperation with partners in the program from the ministries of higher education and scientific research, defense and interior, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the Aamal Organization for Persons with Disabilities, the main partner in this program, is looking forward to making the hearing screening in newborns like the national vaccination program that provides the necessary vaccines to all infants.

Al-Ghabbash said that this national program is the fruit of years of efforts exerted by the state’s official bodies, civil institutions, non-government organizations and experts who all worked to put standard medical protocols for hearing screening and early detection of hearing deficiency in children since their birth until the age 14, as well as protocols for enhancing their language and speaking skills. He pointed out that these protocols have been adopted as work guide for those in charge of fighting hearing deficiency.

For his part, member of the Board of Trustees at the Syrian Organization for Persons with Disabilities (Aamal), Prof. David MacFerson, said in a recorded statement that the program is an investment in individuals. It strengthens the society, provides a better life and creates an opportunity for the children to be independent and productive individuals.

Hamda Mustafa