COOUTH MARKS WORLD HEARING DAY WITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY The Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, joined the global community in commemorating World Hearing Day, observed every 3rd of March and designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2007. The 2026 theme, “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children,” calls for urgent action to ensure that no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems. This year’s observance focused on early identification and timely intervention for hearing loss among school children, as well as sustained advocacy to promote ear and hearing health within communities. With the support of the COOUTH management and in partnership with FIDSON Pharmaceuticals, the event began with a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike, who expressed his excitement over the initiative and pledged the continued support of the hospital management to the ENT Department in its efforts to advance hearing care awareness. The programme also featured a health awareness walk through surrounding community streets, drawing public attention to the importance of hearing care and encouraging early screening and treatment for ear-related conditions. The outreach culminated at Udoka (St. Patrick’s) Primary School, Awka, where the medical team delivered health talks on ear and hearing care to both staff and pupils. The team was led by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Nnaemeka Umedum, who also serves as the Head of the ENT Department. COOUTH Amaku continues to boast of a thriving ENT Department, strategically positioned to provide expert clinical care in ear, nose, and throat conditions to the people of Anambra State in particular and Nigeria at large, while championing initiatives that promote early detection and prevention of hearing loss. Public Relations Office COOUTH Amaku, Awka.