In February, Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Gaza City launched the implementation of a series of sequential free screening days in some primary care centers and kindergartens in the three main geographical areas of the Gaza Strip in coordination with El Amal Society for Rehabilitation in Rafah City, and Jabalia Society for Rehabilitation in Jabalia City. For those who are interested in the hearing screening, they can contact any of the previous associations for registration arrangements. The hearing screening and diagnostic assessment will help to early detect hearing problems amongst the children in the Gaza Strip. 

Mr. Mohammed El Sharif – Executive Director of ASDC, Declared that "Many children have not been screened at birth or at primary care centers as part of their immunization. Therefore, the early screening and diagnostic assessment of children can either prevent deafness or relieve its effects".  Mr. Ramadan Hussein – Head of External Outreach Clinics at ASDC, added "Early identification of deafness, combined with effective early intervention, offers the best chance of language, communication, and speech abilities of deaf children developing in line with the developmental pattern and time frame for hearing children.

Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children is a non-profit society was established in 1992 in the Gaza Strip. Atfaluna aims to improve the quality of life conditions for the deaf children and adults to reach their full potential by providing quality education, health care, social services, and work opportunities. The European Union has provided over €380,000 for this programme, equivalent to 75% of the total budget.  

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