On 25 May 2025, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a groundbreaking resolution. The new resolution invites countries to prioritize integrated care for all sensory impairments in their respective national health systems.
During the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), all Member States agreed on promoting integrated care for sensory impairments across national healthcare frameworks. The new resolution adopted by the WHA now underscores the urgent need to implement important recommendations from WHO’s World Report on Hearing (2021) and its World Report on Vision (2019). A key aspect of the resolution, which is warmly welcomed by EHIMA, is integrating comprehensive sensory health care into national health plans, ensuring that services for vision and hearing care become integral components of universal health coverage.
Embracing technology and early screening
Importantly, the detailed resolution calls for promoting equitable access to assistive technologies and enhancing inclusive communication strategies, such as improved accessibility to sign language and captioning services. In addition, the initiative aims to expand early screening and timely intervention services for sensory impairments across all demographics. The overall impact could be a hugely significant impact on quality of life for Europe’s young and old.
Addressing the skills gap
The resolution also highlights the necessity of training and deploying more healthcare professionals skilled in sensory care at the primary care level. This should significantly enhance the capacity of health systems to address sensory impairments effectively. Additionally, the organization is encouraged by the resolution’s emphasis on robust public health policies aimed at controlling noise exposure and promoting safe listening environments, as well as managing ototoxic substances – these are chemicals or medications that can cause damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and balance problems.
Removing the stigma of hearing impairments
By ensuring sensory healthcare is affordable and accessible through inclusive national health benefit packages, the WHA resolution represents a huge step forward. It is clearly stated and well thought-out elements will go a significant way towards reducing the serious health inequalities and social stigma often associated with sensory impairments.
EHIMA remains committed to active collaboration with the WHO’s Member States, healthcare providers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to support the practical implementation of these goals. This endorsement aligns seamlessly with EHIMA’s long standing dedication to improving hearing care.
