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Promoting the World Hearing Forum

The World Hearing Forum is a global network of stakeholders promoting ear and hearing care worldwide. Members of this advocacy network are committed to facilitate the implementation of World Health Assembly resolution WHA70.13 on “Prevention of deafness and hearing loss” and support the Member States in this regard.

Over 430 million people require rehabilitation to address their hearing loss, of these, 34 million are children. In addition, over 1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings and through personal audio devices. It is expected that these numbers will rise considerably in the coming decades, unless action is taken to prevent and treat hearing loss.

The World Hearing Forum is filling a critical gap by bringing a collective vision to advocacy and collaboration in this field. Through networking and by sharing knowledge, skills and experiences from the field, the World Hearing Forum is galvanizing action towards a world in which no person experiences hearing loss due to preventable causes and those with hearing loss can achieve their full potential through early identification and appropriate management of their condition.

 

 

What you need to know to join the Forum

Please read the criteria, responsibilities and benefits of the membership below. To make an application, please have the following documents in English ready to upload:

  • by-laws / constitution
  • certificate of establishment
  • sources of funding (list of donors and sponsors)
  • list of names of members of the decision-making body (Board)
  • report of activities in the public health domain including but not limited to healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce, education with a strong interest in ear and hearing care.

Applications are now closed.

Why join?

  • To contribute to the global advocacy initiative.
  • For partnership with other members.
  • To interact with local, national, regional, and international organizations working towards a common goal at all levels.
  • Members will be listed on the Forum website and a certificate of membership will be provided.

 

 

 

Who can join?

  • Governmental and nongovernmental organizations
  • Organizations of persons with disabilities / user groups
  • Charitable/service organizations
  • Professional societies, parent groups, regional fora (with defined structure)
  • Private sector entities including international business associations
  • Philanthropic foundations
  • Academic institutions

Can apply for membership of the Forum.

 

 

Eligibility

  • Work actively in the public health domain including but not limited to healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce, education.
  • Have significant actions/activities and a strong interest in ear and hearing care.
  • Committed to the implementation of World Health Assembly resolution 70.13; are willing to engage actively in the work of the Forum, including participation in the Membership Assembly of the Forum.
  • Have a proper governance structure and transparent funding and reporting systems.
  • Have a good standing and reputation in the field.
  • Have international/regional/multinational activities, wherever possible.

 


Responsibilities

All members must:

  • actively initiate and participate in the activities, discussions and deliberations of the Forum
  • join the workstreams and contribute to the workplan
  • participate in regular workstream meetings and annual Forum meetings
  • promote the work, vision, goals and objectives of the Forum
  • share knowledge and information with other members of the Forum
  • undertake advocacy through the World Hearing Day on 3 March each year.

Become a member

What happens after you apply?

Once the application is received by WHO, it will be examined for completeness by WHO and an email of acknowledgement will be sent. The steering committee will review all applications and make a recommendation to WHO. WHO will make a final determination after conducting a due diligence, in line with policies of its Framework of engagement with non-State actors (FENSA). 

You can expect a response within 6 weeks of application.

Write to whf@who.int for any further information.

 

Members of the World Hearing Forum

 

Membership criteria

  • Membership will be for a 2-year period
  • Possibility of renewal of membership post evaluation


Important documents

Workstreams

Make listening safe
Co-chairs: Lidia Best, Katya Freire

World Hearing Day
Co-chairs: Mauro Menziette, Snigdha Sarkar

External relations
Co-chairs: Peter Thorne, Paige Stringer

Member engagement
Co-chairs: Sue Archbold, Moses Serwadda

Changemakers
Co-chairs: Rachael Hapunda, Teresa Amat

Events

Photo exhibitions

Related team

Ear and hearing care programme

Follow the "Access here" link below to know more about the technical work of the Ear and hearing care programme

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