Prevalence and patterns of hearing impairment in Egypt: a national household survey

We conducted a national household survey to estimate the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Egypt. From 6 randomly selected governorates [Alexandria, Dakahlia, Luxor, Marsa Matrouh, Minia and North Sinai], 4000 individuals were screened for hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was 16.0% with no significant sex differences. There were significant differences between the age groups and governorates: Marsa Matrouh had the highest prevalence of hearing loss [25.7%] and North Sinai the lowest [13.5%]; those >/= 65 years had the highest prevalence [49.3%], but it was also high in those aged 0-4 years [22.4%]. Otitis media with effusion [30.8%] was the commonest cause of hearing loss, followed by presbycusis [22.7%]

Cancer magnitude, challenges and control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR]. This report outlines the current burden of cancer in the Region and the challenges faced by the countries; these are mainly lack of national cancer surveillance, lack of a model of integrated care for noncommunicable disease prevention in general and cancer in particular, inadequate national capacity-building and lack of programme sustainability. Strategies for cancer prevention, control and care in the Region are discussed, such as: the formulation of evidence-based policies, mobilization and appropriate allocation of resources, active participation of all stakeholders, government commitment to legislation, education and international collaboration