Vision, Hearing, and Learning Challenges Shape Kids' Futures in LAC

Researchers studied vision, hearing, and thinking problems in kids aged five to nineteen across Latin America and the Caribbean. They used Global Burden of Disease 2023 data covering about 149.3 million children in twenty‑five nations.

About 9.3 million kids, or six percent, had a disability. Hearing loss was the most common, affecting five point four million, mostly mild or moderate. Intellectual disability impacted two point six million, about one point seven percent, mainly borderline or mild. Vision problems reached one point three million, under one percent, and most could be helped with glasses.

The issues grew more common as children aged. Boys were more often seen with intellectual disability than girls. The yearly cost was between nineteen and twenty‑nine billion dollars. Full intervention could cost nine point four to fourteen point two billion, giving a benefit‑to‑cost ratio of two to fifteen to one.

Around eight out of ten sensory problems can be fixed with existing tools. Schools and health services can help a lot. Investing in inclusive programs brings strong social and economic returns.