3.9 million newborns examined for hearing impairment under Egyptian presidential initiative: Ministry

CAIRO – 23 December 2022: Egypt’s Ministry of Health announced on Friday that more than 3.9 million babies have been examined under the presidential initiative to examine and treat hearing impairment in newborns.

Of the babies examined, 466,234 have been redirected to conduct another test a week apart from the first test, the ministry said in a statement.

After conducting the second test, 25,588 babies have been referred to hospitals and centers nationwide to assess the cases with higher accuracy and to start treatment.

The ministry has examined 8,830 non-Egyptians who reside in the country under the initiative, the statement said.

Early detection of hearing impairment facilitates treatment opportunities and spares children communication problems that could cause psychological issues for them.

The ministry receives citizens’ inquiries regarding the presidential initiative on the hotline 15335 for the “100 Million Healthy Lives” initiatives.

The hearing impairment initiative was launched in September 2019 to detect hearing problems in newborns from day one to day 28.

Detection units within the framework of the initiative have totaled 3,500 across the nation.

Egypt’s 100 Million Healthy Lives initiatives have been launched during the tenure of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to ensure early detection and treatment of a multitude of diseases, including chronic diseases.