The City of Cape Town is to expand its groundbreaking initiative in the early detection of hearing impairment among children by funding a follow-up intervention programme.

The Health Portfolio Committee approved an ad hoc grant of R190 000, from the Mayoral Projects fund, to the Hi Hopes early intervention programme which is supported by the Wits University.

Cape Town recently launched South Africa’s first systematic community based hearing sifting test for babies at Ravensmead Clinic. This initiative was spearheaded by the late Dr Ivan Toms who appropriated funds for the procurement of seven sophisticated oto-acoustic emission machines (OEM).

“Children identified with hearing problems at City Health clinics will be referred for home based support to the Hi Hopes programme,” says Cllr James Vos, Chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee.

The programme is linked to the Wits Centre for deaf studies and provides a home-based, family-centred support which assist families in caring for their hearing impaired children.

“The City believes that early treatment can transform hearing impaired children into productive and valued members of society,” Cllr Vos said.

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 3719

MEDIA QUERIES:
CLLR JAMES VOS
CHAIRPERSON: HEALTH PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 590 1680 CELL: 071 678 8188