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WHO Says 900m People at Risk of Hearing Loss by 2050

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted that some 900 million people could suffer from disabling hearing loss across the world by 2050.

WHO said this in a report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

The organisation called on stakeholders including governments and their partners to stem the rise in the disabling hearing loss.

The new estimates were released on the occasion of World Hearing Day on marked on March 3.

“The governments and their partners should integrate ear and hearing care into primary health care systems as part of universal health coverage.

“They should raise awareness among the public about the prevention of hearing loss.

“Ensure services to treat hearing loss, including access to assistive technologies and communication services, and train hearing care professionals.

“Regulate sound exposure on personal audio devices and in entertainment venues and workplaces, and empower people with hearing loss to overcome stigma and discrimination,’’ the report read in part.

It stated that currently, 466 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss, 34 million of whom are children; this was up from 360 million people five years ago.

“The main reasons for this increase is a growing ageing population and the persistence of risks such as ear and vaccine-preventable infections like measles, mumps and rubella.

“Others are the use of medicines that can harm hearing such as those used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis and malaria.

“Also, exposure to loud sounds through personal audio devices and in entertainment venues and workplaces,’’ said WHO.

According to Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Management of Non-communicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention, past trends and future projections predict a vast increase in the number of people with hearing loss.

Krug said in the report that: “Unless appropriate action is initiated, nearly one in 10 people can have disabling hearing loss by 2050.

“This will considerably affect their lives and pose a significant cost to health systems.

“Governments must act now to prevent this rise and ensure people with hearing loss can access the services and technologies they need.”

The report said that disabling hearing loss affected people in many ways including impact on a person’s ability to communicate, socialise, learn, work and enjoy life, contributing to poverty, social isolation and feelings of loneliness.

It said that in older people, hearing loss was linked to cognitive decline, increasing the risk of depression and dementia.

According to the report, unaddressed hearing loss costs countries an estimated US$ 750 billion annually in direct health costs and loss of productivity.

It stated that half of all cases of hearing loss could be prevented by immunisation, screening and treating children who suffered from chronic ear infections.

“Also, promoting safe childbirth to minimise the risk of asphyxia and neonatal infections associated with hearing loss; avoiding the use of particular drugs harmful to hearing.

“Controlling exposure to loud sounds in occupational and recreational settings; and raising awareness about healthy ear care practices through public health campaigns.”

According to the report, detecting and intervening early when people do have hearing loss helps to minimise the consequences, especially for children.

It added that: “This is achieved through screening programmes.

“In cases where hearing loss is unavoidable, it is vital to ensure access to appropriate and affordable assistive technologies.

“Such as hearing aids and surgically implanted electronic cochlear implants, and communication services like speech therapy, sign language and captioning.” (NAN)

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King Charles Reportedly “Really Unwell” And Funeral Plans Are Currently Being Reviewed

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King Charles III’s health is causing concern for friends and the palace as he continues to battle cancer.

“Speaking to friends of the king in recent weeks about his health, the most common response is … ‘It’s not good,’” Tom Sykes of the Daily Beast reported Thursday, April 25.

A friend of the monarch claimed Charles “is determined to beat it and they are throwing everything at it,” adding, “Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on.”

Royal writer Tina Brown also hinted at the monarch’s health struggles, writing recently that Charles’ cancer has put Prince William and Kate Middleton “in frightening proximity to ascending the throne just when they had hoped for a span of years to parent their children out of the public eye.”

“The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety.”

Sykes also reported that the king’s funeral plans, codenamed “Operation Menai Bridge”, are currently being reviewed.

A separate document that states what went well at Queen Elizabeth’s September 2022 funeral and what could be done better the next time a monarch dies is also circulating, according to the Daily Beast.

All the sources emphasized that royal funeral plans are constantly in review. However, one former staffer in particular conceded that Charles’ health woes have given his plans a different urgency.

“The plans have been dusted off and are actively being kept up to date,” the former staffer explained.

“It’s no more than what you would expect given the king has been diagnosed with cancer. But the circulation of them has certainly focused minds.”

Buckingham Palace announced in February that after undergoing surgery for a benign prostate enlargement, it was discovered that the king has cancer.

We hope the king gets well soon.

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EFCC: New Documents Extracted Shows Yahaya Bello Allegedly Paid School Fees To The Tune Of $845,852,84 For His Family Members

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Still on the EFCC trailing on Ex Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Documents serving as exhibits have shown how he allegedly paid school fees in advance for his family members already in the school and even those to be enrolled in future with hundreds of thousands of dollars withdrawn from the state coffers.

A letter from the American International School of Abuja to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has shown the school admitting that Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, paid $845,852,84 into their bank account since September 2021 as advance school fees for 4 family members from the present class until they graduate.

Payment was also made for any future student to be enrolled by the family.

The document alleges that the payment was made by Mr. Ali Bello, alleged to be the eldest son of Yahaya Bello.

In the document, the school stated that they have deducted the fees for the educational service already rendered to the Bello children in the institution and what is left is $760, 910, which would be refunded to an account provided by the EFCC as the commission continues investigation into alleged money laundering levelled against Yahaya Bello.

the school fees documented payment

The school also added that from the Bello family kids, “no further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition until they graduate from ASIA.”

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Niger State Prisoners Run From Facility After Rainstorm Brings Down Part Of Fencing

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Many prisoners serving time at the Suleja Correctional Centre, located in Suleja Local Government of Niger state, fled the facility after a rainstorm brought down a part of the inner fencing.

This incident happened as a result of the heavy rainfall which fell on Wednesday night. This led to a cell being torn down, providing incarcerated individuals with a chance at freedom.

Reporters gathered that security forces fired many shots in the air, attempting to scare the inmates out of hiding.

While the State Comptroller of Prisons declined to speak to the press, it has been noted that security has been beefed up on the Minna-Suleja and Suleja-Kaduna roads, including the Madalla axis to Abuja road, which is a likely escape route out of the state for the inmates.

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