MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Delivering a keynote address to mark World Hearing Day 2025, Dr. Anthony M. Tucker, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases & Injuries at the Ministry of Health, called for urgent action to address hearing loss in Liberia. Speaking under the theme “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for ALL,” Dr. Tucker urged stakeholders to combat stigma and ensure hearing healthcare becomes accessible to all Liberians.
The event, held on March 3 in Brewerville City, brought together officials from the Ministry of Health, Church Aid Inc., civil society organizations, and healthcare professionals. In his speech, Dr. Tucker emphasized that hearing loss is a preventable and treatable condition but remains an overlooked public health crisis due to stigma and limited resources.
“Hearing loss affects millions worldwide, and Liberia is no exception,” Dr. Tucker said. “Yet, due to misinformation and a lack of professional care, too many people are left without the help they need. We must change mindsets and take action.”
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tucker highlighted the growing global burden of hearing loss, noting that over 1.5 billion people currently live with some form of hearing impairment. This figure is projected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, meaning one in four individuals will experience hearing loss in their lifetime. Despite the scale of the problem, he lamented that over 80% of those with disabling hearing loss worldwide do not receive adequate care.
In Liberia, Dr. Tucker described hearing loss as a “hidden epidemic,” pointing to increasing cases, particularly among children and the elderly. He identified untreated infections, noise exposure, congenital conditions, and age-related hearing loss as the primary causes. Limited access to specialized care exacerbates the situation, with Liberia having only a handful of audiologists and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.
“Hearing health is not prioritized in our national policies,” he said. “Ignoring hearing loss is a form of neglect that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities.”
Dr. Tucker also addressed the cultural stigma surrounding hearing impairments, which he said leads to discrimination and isolation. He urged community leaders to challenge harmful myths, including the belief that hearing loss is a punishment or that those affected cannot live normal lives.
“We must break the stigma and create a culture of compassion and action,” he emphasized.
The keynote speech included a strong call to action for various sectors. Dr. Tucker urged religious leaders to use their platforms to promote awareness, health workers to integrate hearing care into medical practice, and government officials to prioritize ear and hearing care in national health policies. He also called for increased public awareness, improved access to affordable hearing services, and the prevention of hearing loss through better public health initiatives.
“If we commit ourselves to these actions, we can create a Liberia where no one is left behind due to hearing impairment,” Dr. Tucker concluded.
World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3 to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care worldwide. This year’s event in Liberia highlighted the urgent need for policy reform and community involvement to address the growing health crisis.
