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Fiji has the highest number of deaf people in the South Pacific, with close to six percent of the population (around $51,000) having some sort of hearing impairment.
And out of this, 34 percent comprise of children (that’s about $17,340).
These statistics were revealed today at the opening of the Carabez Clinic in Suva by clinic founder Bronwyn Carabez.
Carabez said this was not unusual since children generally suffer from hearing problems anywhere in the world.
Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma officiated today’s opening of Fiji’s first free clinic for hearing-impaired children.
The Carabez Clinic will provide free hearing aids and audiological care to patients under the age of 21.
Sharma said he hoped the clinic would help provide a better life for children with hearing difficulties.
“Hearing difficulty has catastrophic effects on the development of children and as a result, they remain on the fringes of social network,” he said.
Carabez also stressed the importance of family support towards helping hearing-impaired children develop speech.
“It’s very important that parents support their children who are on hearing aid so that they are encouraged and learn easily,” Carabez said.
She added early intervention and care could allow children with hearing loss to be placed in a normal school environment and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
She urged parents to take their children for a check up if they had doubts or concerns about their speech capabilities.
A Suva mother, Melania Loco said she was grateful for the assistance given to her 14 year-old son, who was born deaf and received hearing aids two years ago.
“Kevin has started developing speech slowly and even the smallest sound he hears makes him so happy,” a happy Loco said.
