Baghdad: The Ministry of Labor is exploring ways to enhance services for people with hearing disabilities and cochlear implant recipients. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Huda Sajjad, met with Zainab Salman, head of the Aware Ear Foundation for Public Health and the Hearing Impaired, to discuss mechanisms for overcoming obstacles facing people with hearing disabilities and cochlear implant recipients, and for enhancing the services provided to them.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Labor stated in a press release: “During the meeting, the needs of cochlear implant recipients were discussed, including device maintenance, the provision of spare parts, and their modernization, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and specialized international companies to ensure the continued operation of the devices and reduce the burden on beneficiaries and their families.”

The two sides also discussed enhancing services and facilities provided to people with hearing disabilities, and ensuring their access to their rights to education, rehabilitation, training, employment, and social protection. The Undersecretary noted the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining communication with representatives of people with disabilities, listening to their needs, and working in coordination with government agencies and relevant institutions to overcome obstacles and promote their integration into society.