Australia supporting Samoa’s Hearing Care Services on World Hearing Day

To mark World hearing Day, four audiology booths were unveiled at the Ministry of
Health to enhance Samoa's capacity to diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with hearing
impairments.
The unveiling of booths was made possible through the Samoa Hearing Program, a partnership
between the Ministry of Health, SENESE, and the Australian Government through the Royal
Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
The program's objective is to offer high-quality hearing care services to all Samoans. The installation
of audiology booths helps in the early identification of patients and ensures that local services can
address hearing difficulties.
The program also provides supplies of hearing aids, batteries, and other equipment, as well as
training in the fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. Further, it offers training in Primary Ear
Health Care to health workers, enabling them to screen newborns and young children for hearing
impairments and treat them early.
Nearly 20% of the global population suffer from hearing loss and it is anticipated that by 2050, 700
million individuals will have hearing loss. In Samoa, approximately 2.5% of the population suffers
from untreated hearing loss or impairment.
“On this World Hearing Day, we are pleased to work with our partners towards making hearing care
services accessible and affordable to all Samoans. The unveiling of these booths will have a
significant impact on the Government’s ability to continue its work in providing these important
health services” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck.
“The partnership between Australia and Samoa in providing quality and accessible healthcare is a
testament to the strength of our relationship. By working together, we are building a healthier
future for our people, and demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals,” said
Minister of Health, the Honourable Valasi Tafito Selesele.
The Australian Government acknowledges the hard work of Dr. Sione Pifeleti and his team, and for
working together with RACS and SENESE to ensure hearing services are available and accessible to
the people of Samoa.