Princess Lalla Asmaa Champions Hearing Health for All
On June 16, 2026, Princess Lalla Asmaa, the president of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, orchestrated the inaugural Patient Day for individuals suffering from hearing loss in Rabat. This landmark event unveiled the national initiative titled "Hearing Aids for All," aimed at providing free and accessible hearing aid solutions to Morocco's underprivileged population. This initiative is a continuation of over two decades of efforts dedicated to supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.
The Patient Day was not only a celebration of awareness but also marked the expansion of the Foundation's mission beyond cochlear implants to include various forms of hearing loss and impairment. This expansion reflects the royal vision of a society where equal opportunities are a daily reality, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity in health and education.
The "Hearing Aids for All" program aligns with the ongoing NASMAA national initiative and the international program "United: We Hear Better." Through these programs, the Lalla Asmaa Foundation employs a holistic approach that integrates medical care, speech therapy, parental guidance, and remote monitoring, ensuring comprehensive support for affected individuals.
Innovative Remote Monitoring and Support Systems
Emphasizing the royal interest in the education, health, integration, and well-being of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, the day commenced with Princess Lalla Asmaa visiting the Specialties Hospital in Rabat. During her visit, she engaged with Moroccan, Palestinian, and other African children who recently underwent cochlear implant surgeries. In total, 56 children and their families were welcomed in Rabat for cochlear or bone-anchored implant procedures as part of the "United: We Hear Better" initiative. The Princess also received insights into the bone-anchored technology, which is particularly beneficial for children who are not suitable candidates for conventional cochlear implants.
At the Lalla Asmaa Foundation headquarters, the Princess toured areas dedicated to activities for implanted children and observed a presentation on the significance of speech therapy, parental guidance, and home monitoring. The external component of the cochlear implant, which requires daily upkeep, was highlighted as a critical factor influencing the child's hearing quality. Furthermore, the Foundation introduced ConnectCare, a system that allows for real-time adjustments to cochlear implants via secure connections, benefiting over 100 children enrolled in the NASMAA program.
In an effort to enhance the regularity of therapy sessions, which is essential for language acquisition in deaf and hard-of-hearing children, a remote speech therapy application was also developed.
Accompanying the launch of the "Hearing Aids for All" program were five cooperation agreements aimed at broadening access to hearing aids across the nation. The first agreement was signed between the Lalla Asmaa Foundation and the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, alongside the Ministry Delegate in charge of the Budget. The second partnership was established with the Mohammed VI Foundation dedicated to promoting social works in education and training. Additionally, three agreements were made with the regional health associations in Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Casablanca-Settat.
Since initiating the NASMAA program in 2022, the Lalla Asmaa Foundation has successfully facilitated cochlear implant surgeries for 950 Moroccan children and 368 children from 22 different countries around the globe.
As reported by medias24.com.
