For early detection of infections of the ear, nose and throat, authorities are calling for strategic positioning of professionals at health facilities to prevent complications.
Diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are a global phenomenon with more than 1.5 billion people living with hearing loss.
Above 20 million people are afflicted with chronic otitis media, up to 40 percent suffering from allergic rhinitis, and 350,000 succumbing to head and neck cancer annually.
ENT diseases have become an important public health concern where the Ghanaian health system has a significant challenge with the shortage of professional services.
The GRNMA reports that there are less than 50 ENT surgeons and a little over 400 ENT nurses in the country.
This shortfall is a critical issue as ENT diseases are among the most common reasons for visits to health facilities
Dr. Regina Darko Asante, an ENT Specialist, speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and Scientific Session of the Ear, Nose and Throat Nurses Society, Ghana in Kumasi, said when authorities invest in specialized nurses including ENT professionals, they are not just improving health outcomes but also building economic resilience.
“Consider the economic burden of untreated ENT conditions. A child with chronic ear infections misses school, falls behind in education, and faces limited future opportunities. An adult with hearing loss struggles in the workplace, faces social isolation, and experiences reduced earning capacity.

A market trader with chronic sinusitis cannot work at full capacity, reducing both personal income and community economic activity”, she emphasized.
Dr Asante said: “but when ENT nurses are strategically positioned in districts across Ghana, early detection becomes possible.
She therefore called on stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Health and health administrators to prioritize the ENT nurse programme in resource allocation.
They must create sustainable funding mechanisms for continuing professional education.
She called on the GRNA to champion the cause of specialized nursing practice and ensure that ENT nurses had a strong voice in policy discussions.
They must advocate conditions that allow specialized nurses to practice to the full scope of their training as well as supporting research that demonstrates the impact and cost-effectiveness of specialized nursing roles.
Mrs. Esther Birikorang, National Chairperson, Ear, Nose and Throat Nurses Society, Ghana, acknowledged the challenges of professionals stemming from resource limitations to evolving demands of modern healthcare, yet professionals continued to be resilient and resourceful in the discharge of their duties.
She re-echoed the Association’s request for more ENT professionals to address the rising cases and the post COVID-19 impact on the healthcare delivery system.
The five-day event is being held under the theme “Strengthening ENT Nurses – As Catalyst for Health and Economic Resilience.”