The PEN Fa’aSamoa initiative : an integrated platform for hearing and vision screening in Samoa

Abstract

Global efforts are underway to reduce hearing and vision disorders worldwide, especially those due to avoidable causes among children living in low and middle-income nations. The strategies recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) Prevention of Deafness and Blindness Division are comprehensive, and include addressing medical causes such as otitis media and trachoma, as well as implementing public health measures such as routine childhood immunization programs, improved general health and nutrition, and upgrades in environmental health and living standards. Given the well-known adverse effects of hearing and vision disorders on speech, language, literacy and learning development, school-based health screening programs are further recommended to enable early intervention and optimal management for any hearing and vision concerns identified.