White text Changemakers on yellow background with WHF and WHO logos.

Co-chairs: Rachael Hapunda, Teresa Amat

 

Goal

To raise global awareness of hearing health and drive societal change by engaging champions, sharing impactful stories, and amplifying WHO messages.

Objectives

1. Engage high profile Champions relevant to 4 WHO regions, to help amplify WHO messages and raise the importance of hearing as a significant public health issue.

2. To change societal perceptions of hearing loss through the stories of everyday Changemakers and the challenges they overcome.

3. Identify existing and develop new strategic communication channels to carry WHO messages and the stories of Changemakers to a wider audience.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2024–2025

  1. Stories: Publish at least 6 new stories ensuring diversity.
  2. Champions: Identify and secure 3 global and 4 regional champions (1 per WHO region). 
  3. Advocacy and reach: Identify 30+ NGOs/companies outside the hearing sector and increase engagement.
  4. Significant increase in number of followers on Facebook and Instagram.

Achievements

Changemakers: 24 changemakers stories from 19 countries; 1 social media influencer.

Champions: 4 regional champions; 2 global champions.

Amplification: 2500 followers on FB group and public FB page established; 26 organizations reached; 1 Instagram page 200 followers; 1 video created; 1 website created (worldhearingforum.org).