Deaf Community Urges Taliban to Address Their Challenges on World Hearing Day
On the occasion of March 3rd, World Hearing Day, a number of individuals with hearing disabilities in Afghanistan criticized the lack of attention to their problems and called on the Taliban administration to take practical and sustainable measures to improve the situation of the deaf community. They stated that the absence of supportive programs and the neglect of creating an inclusive environment have caused serious difficulties in their daily lives.
According to these individuals, the widespread unfamiliarity of citizens with sign language and the lack of accessible services in government offices and institutions have imposed limitations on them in many social and occupational spheres. They emphasized that a symbolic commemoration of this day without developing supportive and practical policies will not bring any change to their condition.
Meanwhile, several residents of Kabul also stressed the importance of maintaining hearing health. Mashal Majbur, one of the capital’s residents, said that hearing is an essential part of public health and citizens should pay serious attention to protecting it.
Some doctors have also warned about factors that reduce hearing ability and considered it necessary to follow preventive measures. They recommended that citizens avoid prolonged exposure to areas with noise pollution, keep the volume of mobile phones low, and ensure their ears are dry after bathing.
World Hearing Day is annually commemorated by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about preventing hearing problems and caring for the ears at all ages. However, the deaf community in Afghanistan says this occasion gains meaning only when it results in practical actions and clear accountability from the Taliban administration regarding their rights and needs.
