Tanzania: Aga Khan Hospital performs first electronic ear implant surgery

The Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam (AKH,D) performed its first Cochlear Implant Surgery on Monday 24 January. Young Danial, a three year old boy has not heard sound all his life, making this a life-changing opportunity for the young boy and his parents. “We are very excited to begin performing this procedure here at AKH,D. The availability of this procedure locally means that patients will not have to travel abroad for this service,” said Mr. Sisawo Konteh, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital. In addition to this procedure, the Aga Khan Hospital has also been piloting a newborn hearing screening programme since 2018. This involves the use of a quick and simple test to screen babies for hearing loss, usually performed very shortly after birth.