Progress and Prospects in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in Ethiopia

This paper aims to explore the current state of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) training and practice in Ethiopia, identify major barriers to development, and also highlight the optimistic prospects for the future, with strategies to build a self-sustaining ORL-HNS specialty capable of meeting the growing needs of the Ethiopian population.

This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with otolaryngologists practicing in Ethiopia, and quantitative data from a review of relevant literature and publicly available datasets.

A total of 53 otolaryngologists practicing in Ethiopia participated in the survey. Head and neck surgery has progressed, with all major oncology surgeries now performed. Training opportunities for higher specialization are limited. Generally, there is a shortage of ORL-HNS clinical and surgical care equipment, outdated equipment, and poor maintenance availability.

Even with remarkable workforce growth, training for audiologists, speech therapists, and fellowship-trained otolaryngologists in the country is needed. Sustainable advancement and access to safe and affordable surgery will require strong collaborative efforts from multiple fronts, including improvements in the surgical supply chain, access to affordable surgical equipment, and institutional-level horizontal funding.

Despite strides over the past two decades, significant deficits remain in Ethiopia's capacity to provide otolaryngologic care. Efforts aimed at bridging these disparities must focus not only on providing general and advanced training opportunities for local physicians but also on expanding access to basic resources and equipment needed for practice and making care more widely available outside of major population centers.