Government set to launch ENT Strategic Plan

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

Government set to launch ENT Strategic Plan

WASHINGTON DC- SUNDAY July 16, 2017-First Lady Esther Lungu has announced that Government has developed an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Strategic Plan that feeds into the national health plan.

Mrs Lungu says the Ministry of Health will soon launch the Country’s National ENT Strategic Plan to address existing gaps in the sector especially through training.

The First Lady has also commended Starkey Hearing Foundation in Minneapolis, USA for establishing the first ever hearing institute in Zambia.

Mrs Lungu has noted that the presence of Starkey Hearing Foundation in Zambia has increased the number of specialists in audiology in the country.

The First Lady says the Starkey Hearing Foundation has made a huge investment in Zambia especially for the vulnerable communities.

She further disclosed that Baldwin Wallace University has offered scholarships to Zambians to study ENT programs in the USA due to the presence of Starkey Hearing Foundation in the country.

“With the establishment of the only hearing institute in Zambia, more awareness has been created. There has been tremendous improvement in the conditions of people with hearing loss as they are able to receive hearing aids and screening services.

“Since 2015 Starkey has impacted over 3,000 people and fitted more than 1,200 hearing aids in Zambia. Their motive is very genuine and that is why I feel deeply indebted to support their work in my country,” Mrs Lungu said.

Mrs Lungu says she will continue to use her office as a critical link between Starkey Hearing Foundation and the Government through the Ministry of Health.

The First Lady was speaking at the Starkey Hearing Foundation annual Founders Club Meeting Panel discussion which was moderated by former US President George W. Bush daughter Barbara, dubbed “Passion plus Purpose equals Impact”.

Other panelists included First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Sandra Granger, Co-founder of the Starkey Hearing Foundation Tani Austin, President of International Federation for Peace and Sustainable Development and Minister of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica Shahine Robinson.

Issued by
Cosmas Chileshe
First Secretary (Press and Public Relations)
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
2200 R Street NW
Mobile +1 202 413 1598
Fax +1 202 332 0826
Email: cchileshe@zambiaembassy.org
Washington DC 20008