While the incidence of newborn deafness varies globally, it is generally estimated that up to 3 out of every 1000 newborns are affected. Early hearing screening, crucial for initiating early intervention and treatment, is a key method to identify infants with hearing impairments. Such timely measures can greatly enhance the development of language and social skills in these children.

To address the challenge of newborn deafness, BGI has launched a public welfare initiative called ‘A World Without Deafness.’ Its main goal is to prevent deafness primarily through early screening, aiming to reduce the incidence of such diseases in live births at their source.

 A newborn's ear.

Since 2017, with the support of Thailand’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology, BGI Group has established regional precision medicine and genetic testing centers in Thailand and various major medical colleges. These centers conduct large-scale, comprehensive newborn deafness genetic testing and other projects tailored to the populations of different regions. 

BGI Group also collaborated with Bangkok’s Royal Chulalongkorn Hospital in 2018 to conduct screenings for over 20,000 expectant mothers. This collaboration successfully and accurately detected over 200 cases of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses, saving the Thai government 1.5 billion Baht in medical expenses.

In 2021, the 'Deafness Prevention and Control - Project Shenzhen' was initiated by BGI Group in collaboration with the China Association of the Deaf, the Shenzhen Association of the Deaf, and the Shenzhen Maternity and Child Health Hospital. This project aimed to educate the public in Shenzhen about genetic factors related to hereditary hearing loss and to provide complimentary genetic testing for selected hearing-impaired individuals and their relatives. Applications from 127 hearing-impaired families were received, with 23 families screened and 50 blood samples collected for genetic testing.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the " Hearing Crystal Sound without Obstacles" Hearing Loss Genetic Testing and Hearing Aid in Lao PDR was established under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework. This precision medicine technology collaboration project is a joint effort by the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC), BGI, Yupanglin Charity Foundation, and Mammoth Foundation. During the project's launch ceremony, the parties signed a donation agreement and conducted a video conference to sign a MOU for the project with the Lao Red Cross.

A group photo of the Lao Red Cross (left screen) and the representatives of the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC), BGI, Yupanglin Charity Foundation, and Mammoth Foundation.

In collaboration with the Lao Red Cross, the project will provide genetic testing services to 300 relatives of individuals with genetic deafness in the vicinity of the Laos capital, Vientiane. This initiative aims to facilitate early prevention and intervention for hearing impairments. Additionally, the project will donate hearing aids to 100 underprivileged individuals with hearing disabilities.

Dr. Zhu Yanmei, Executive Director of BGI Group, Board of Trustees of Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC).

Dr. Zhu Yanmei, Executive Director of BGI Group, shared her insights on harnessing technology to control and eradicate diseases. She expressed hope that Hearing Loss Genetic Testing and Hearing Aid project will significantly enhance efforts in preventing and managing deafness.

Dr. Phouthone Muongpak, President of the Lao Red Cross, stated that the project of Hearing Loss Genetic Testing and Hearing Aid in Lao PDR is of great significance as it will enhance the well-being of Laotian people suffering from hearing impairments and positively contribute to the collaboration within the Lancang-Mekong region.

In the future, BGI plans to bring further support to the people of the Lancang-Mekong region by using its advanced gene sequencing technology, equipment, and solutions to alleviate the risks of deafness.