A. Strengthen:• immunization programmes: to prevent many of the infections which lead to hearing loss, such as congenital rubella, meningitis, mumps and measles. Potentially, over 19% of childhood hearing loss could be avoided through immunization against rubella and meningitis alone.ACTION: Include these vaccines in the national immunization programmes and ensure their widespread coverage.• maternal and child health programmes to prevent prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice and congenital cytomegalovirus infectio