MetLife Nepal, Ear Care Nepal to launch ear health programme for schoolchildren

KATHMANDU: MetLife Nepal, in collaboration with Ear Care Nepal (ECN), is set to launch a 10-week School Ear Health Programme targeting 2,400 schoolchildren from preschool to grade 10 in government schools across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts.

This initiative aims to promote long-term ear health awareness and prevent related issues among children, emphasising the importance of early detection and education.

The programme focuses on the early detection and prevention of ear-related issues in school-going children. With support of Rs 513,000, ECN’s consultant ENT surgeons will visit eight to 10 schools to screen and treat students for ear diseases and hearing loss. Portable audiogram machines will conduct on-site hearing tests, immediately treating minor ear issues and referring more severe cases for specialised care through surgeries.

Additionally, the programme will provide ear and hearing health education to students, teachers, and guardians using engaging learning materials.

Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, General Manager of MetLife Nepal, remarked, "We are proud to partner with Ear Care Nepal on this important initiative. This programme reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of children by addressing critical ear and hearing health issues. By working together, we can create a lasting impact and help foster a healthier future for our communities."

MetLife, Inc, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ('MetLife'), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife operates in over 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

MetLife has been operating in Nepal since 2001 as a branch of American Life Insurance Company, incorporated in the USA, and a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. In Nepal, MetLife provides consumers and businesses with life insurance, accident and health insurance, and employee benefits (group insurance).

Established in September 2013, Ear Care Nepal (ECN) has been conducting school-based ear health programmes in community schools and Buddhist monastic schools across Nepal.