Society seeks govt. support to prevent hearing loss
News & Trends •
by felicia imohimi11 the theme of the agm was manpower development for otorhinolaryngology practice in nigeria time for subspecialist training with hearing and speech rehabilitation in nigeria and emerging infections in otorhinolaryngology as sub theme1 the society made the call in a communique issued at the end of its annual general conference in abuja on thursday1 the communique was signed by prof. onyekwere nwaorgu the president of pan african federation of otorhinolaryngological societies pafos and immediate past president of orlson as well as prof. titus ibekwe immediate past secretary of orlson1 the society noted that such strategies should include hearing screening programmes and enforcement of legislation against noise pollution1 the society commended the federal government for constituting technical committee to produce the nigerian national strategic policy on ear and hearing care1 it however urged government to enforce legislation against avoidable risks of otorhinolaryngology orl diseases1 it further urged the populace to embrace the culture of early presentation of ear nose and throat ent cases to specialists to ensure good management1 the otorhinolaryngological society of nigeria orlson has solicited the support of government on strategies for the prevention of hearing loss early detection and other interventions1 it identified the conference as part of efforts by orlson to champion the cause of uplifting and advancing otorhinolaryngology practice in nigeria to compete favorably with global best practices1 the communique however urged government to support training and research and to establish more national ear care centres neccs at least one in each geopolitical zone1 it noted that government should encourage and establish suitable training programmes for the development of human resources in the field of ear and hearing care1 it is desirable that government funds researches to determine national prevalence of common orl diseases in nigeria1 government should support and fund cochlear implant surgery programmes and also encourage programmes that will improve availability and accessibility of diagnostic and adjunct therapeutic tools in the country1 the communique identified new leadership of orlson as prof. abubakar salisu president and dr aliyu kodiya as secretary1 the society assured of its commitment to ensure the production of highly specialised manpower for otorhinolaryngology practice in the country1