How can Africa tackle its growing hearing loss crisis?
Africa Daily - Podcast tekijän mukaan BBC World Service
Today Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje sits down with multi-award winning South African musician Nhlanhla Mafu of the popular Afro-pop group, Mafikizolo.
Our guest shares her journey with hearing loss, which has been devastating to her, considering the nature of the industry she's in.
This comes as Africa is facing a growing hearing loss crisis, affecting 49 million people and costing the continent $27 billion each year.
The World Health Organisation predicts this number could rise to 54 million by 2030.
Key causes include a shortage of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, limited access to hearing aids, and untreated diseases due to unequal healthcare.
So, what's the solution? How best can African countries respond to this crisis?
Presenter: Mpho Lakaje. Guests: Dr. Mukara Batamuliza Kaitesi and Nhlanhla Mafu.
