The incidence of hearing loss and related communication problems in children in Namibia is high. Access to health care can be difficult and the quality of provision can be poor, especially in rural areas. Lack of awareness and irregular treatment of ear infections, insufficient pre-natal care in many rural areas and a high incidence of malaria and meningitis in some parts of the country all contribute. CLaSH not only advocates for the early identification and early intervention of children with hearing loss, it also collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to establish and deliver a deafness prevention programme throughout Namibia.

CLaSH organises

• awareness campaigns to inform and empower parents, communities and the general public
• outreach projects to screen, diagnose and refer children from the regions
• training sessions for health workers on ear care, etc.
• provision and fitting of hearing aids
• middle ear operations to restore hearing

CLaSH has facilitated Operation Omakutsi, a successful German-Namibian cooperation between ENT surgeons from Germany, the Ministry of Health and local ENT doctors. Since 2003, Operation Omakutsi took place five times in the North of Namibia, assisting an average of 40 patients each time. The German doctors do their work free of charge and the operations make a significant difference in the lives of many children.