Tanzania's ENT Specialists Push for Tech-Driven Healthcare Improvements

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists in Tanzania are advocating for the increased use of technology, stronger professional collaboration, and investment in specialist training to improve access to quality healthcare services. This call to action was made during the recent Tanzania ENT Society Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Moshi. The conference brought together specialists and other healthcare professionals to discuss ways of strengthening ENT services in the country.

The conference, themed "The Future of ENT in Tanzania: United by Innovation, Empowered by Connections," discussed various topics, including evidence-based tonsillectomy, appropriate antibiotic use, childhood ENT conditions, hearing loss, audiology, and vestibular rehabilitation. Other topics included minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, head and neck cancer management, specialist training, and the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

According to Dr. Desderius Chussi, Head of the ENT Department at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and Residency Programme Director at KCMC University, advances in endoscopic technology are enabling specialists to reach previously difficult-to-access areas and perform procedures with greater precision. He added that digital learning platforms and professional networks could facilitate knowledge-sharing, case discussions, and support for doctors working in facilities with limited resources.

Dr. Chussi emphasized that collaboration between hospitals, training institutions, specialists, and development partners is necessary to strengthen referral systems and expand local capacity, allowing more patients to access specialized treatment closer to home. This would help address the challenges facing the specialty and improve access to quality healthcare services.

ENT specialist and KCMC University lecturer Dr. Michael Kayuza highlighted the need to strengthen local specialist training through knowledge-sharing, hospital visits by experienced consultants, and international fellowships. He said such initiatives would help develop advanced skills, reduce delayed diagnoses, and improve access to specialized services, particularly for patients in remote areas.

The conference also emphasized the importance of patient safety during surgical procedures, with Dr. Kayuza calling for stronger coordination between ENT surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists. He stressed that ENT is largely a surgical specialty, making patient safety throughout the perioperative period essential.

The conference included an ear and hearing health outreach programme at Msandaka School for the Deaf, where medical teams conducted screening for students and staff. The programme aimed to promote early detection and treatment of ear conditions, which can prevent complications and improve quality of life, particularly among children.

Key points

• ENT specialists in Tanzania are pushing for increased use of technology to improve access to quality healthcare services.
• The conference highlighted the need to strengthen local specialist training through knowledge-sharing and international fellowships.
• The importance of patient safety during surgical procedures was also emphasized.