Tunisia Sounds Alarm on Dyslexia in Children

During a recent study day at the Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital, Tunisia's Minister of Health, Mustapha Ferjani, sounded the alarm on the urgent need for comprehensive care for children suffering from dyslexia. According to regional data, the prevalence of this learning disorder is estimated to be 12% among Arab schoolchildren. However, this situation is exacerbated by a general decline in reading and math skills post-pandemic.

The Minister firmly emphasized that learning difficulties are not a result of a lack of intelligence, but rather a significant medical-educational challenge that requires a shift from isolated initiatives to a national integrated strategy. This new vision is based on early diagnosis and tailored support, where teachers become the first line of detection. The goal is clear: to take research findings out of the laboratory and apply them concretely on the ground through school and university medicine.

The synergy between the medical world and universities, particularly with the linguistics laboratory at La Manouba, highlights the flaws in the current system. A nationwide study reveals alarming disparities, showing a fragility of basic reading skills, particularly in rural areas and the public sector. Experts also stress the need for specific protocols for children with autism, whose communication must be stimulated by integrating language into their daily routine.

By prioritizing reading, Tunisia is embarking on a deep reform to ensure that no child is left behind due to language barriers.