World Hearing Day

To introduce the 2026 theme and launch the campaign materials, WHO is organizing a webinar with the objective to introduce the: 1. WHD 2026 theme and rational 2. Campaign materials for WHD 2026 3. New system to register events 4. Small grants for observing WHD activities, and 5. Discuss activities and actions planned. This session aims to brief stakeholders on the campaign framework and available campaign materials and advocacy tools, while encouraging early planning and participation in the global movement. Access the recording below:  Session 1  &  Session 2

  Can a simple test at birth change a child’s future?  In Panama, a program focused on newborn hearing screening and technology is giving more girls and boys the opportunity to hear—opening the door to learning and development from the very first days of life. Early detection and technical support: two keys to child development Hearing loss, or hypoacusis, in newborns can affect one in every 500 children. When it is not detected early, language development and communication skills may be compromised, affecting social interaction, emotional well-being, and the ability to learn. It can also lead to educational challenges with long-term effects and potentially result in a future disability. For this reason, newborn hearing screening —which consists of a series of quick, painless tests performed in the first hours of life—is essential to detect hearing loss and enable timely intervention. In cases where diagnosis does not occur early or hearing loss develops later in childhood, te...