IFOS 2nd WORLD COURSE ON HEARING REHABILITATION & IFOS-UZ 6TH TEMPORAL BONE COURSE 2023

This year, the Zimbabwe Society of Otorhinolaryngologists (ZiSOL) in conjunction with the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngology Societies (IFOS) and the University Of Zimbabwe (UZ) was able to host the 2nd edition of The World Course on Hearing Rehabilitation as well as the 6th Temporal Bone Course. It was well attended and attracted 67delegates from various countries. The lack of training in hearing-care remains a  gap that needs to be met in order to develop and implement services that are targeted to treating ear and hearing disorders.

Ear and hearing care (EHC) for all was the theme for this year’s course. The global perspective on this theme was received from Shelly Chadha representing the World Health Organization (WHO), while the local perspective was delivered by Dr Dobbie from the Ministry of Child and Healthcare Zimbabwe. The need for a nexus between the public and private Health Care was highlighted, as the hidden power of EHC for all. More-over the training of Hearing Health Professionals, screening of the new-born and adopting sustainable models in hearing assistive devices provision in Low to middle income countries (LMIC) was extensively discussed during the conference.
As the new normal, the course was of a hybrid nature. There were amazing speakers namely; Dr. Clemence Chidziva, Prof Milan Profant, Prof Isaac Macharia, Prof Chris Raine and Prof Vincent Cousins. An interesting debate took place, with the topic titled “Non-governmental organizations (NGO) negatively influence Ear and Hearing Care Programs in LMIC therefore should be banned.” The key points from the team for the motion  here that the NGOs have a different agenda from the government and that they leave a void after the programme has ended causing a community uproar against its government. The team against the motion highlighted that NGOs offer funding and equipment, provide expertise training and offer community management of the program and handover for sustainability. The debate clearly demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of NGO led initiatives. It was noted that with close collaborations and by in from all stake holders the disadvantages could be minimized, whilst the advantages magnified.

Temporal Bone Dissection Course 2023

The Temporal Bone (TBC) course was held from the 26th to the 28th of April 2023. There were 30 participants from different parts of Africa; namely Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe. The course also had 7 facilitators/ Faculty members as shown below

Day 1

Registration and Introductions done.
Welcome remarks were made by Dr Clemence Chidziva Senior Otorhinolaryngologist, Harare.
Professor Milan Profant gave a speech for IFOS and Professor Godfrey Muguti represented the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and COSSECSA.

This was followed by brief lectures from Professor’s Vincent Cousins, Milan Profant and Christopher Raine. This covered anatomical overview of the temporal bone, facial nerve and drilling techniques. Lectures delivered during the World Rehabilitation Course were not repeated.

Day 2

Full day Dissection
Ten stations were set with high quality equipment courtesy of our sponsors.
Delegates were paired up and each delegate had the privilege to dissect at least
two temporal bone with one on one guidance from the faculty.
The following techniques were demonstrated and practiced on;

  • Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy

  • Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy

  • Facial Recess and Extended Facial Recess Approach

  • Facial Nerve Identification

  • Labyrinthectomy

  • Cochlear Implantation

The 2023 course had 7 facilitators/ faculty members:

  • Prof M. Profant : Slovakia

  • Prof V. Cousins : Australia

  • Dr E. Muganda : Zimbabwe

  • Prof I. Machaira : Kenya

  • Prof C. Prescott : South Africa

  • Prof. C. Raine : UK

  • Dr C Chidziva : Zimbabwe


There is a growing need and desire for skills training as evidenced by the growing number of participants compared to last year. Participants managed to dissect at least 2 bones each and there was an endoscopic simulation station for Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion. The course was held at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Simulation Laboratory. Prof Godfrey Muguti, from the UZ, graced theevent and encouraged for more similar trainings to continue even in the future. He emphasized that the establishment of the UZ Simulation Laboratory which is a state of the art Regional Centre should be fully utilized to maximally benefit the Region.
Prof Vincent Cousins together with Prof Milan Profant are the founding fathers of the IFOS Regional Temporal Bone Course (TBC) their support to the event has been unwavering and greatly appreciated. This year Prof Vincent Cousins donated an Otologic Stereoscopic Anatomical Atlas of Ear Surgery training book to the UZ ENT department, this was received by Dr. Erasmus Muganda (ZIM) and it will be fully utilized for continued mentorship.

Both events were a very big success and future events are expected to impact the region in a positive manner towards EHC for all.

Day 3 Feedback and Certification

Delegates gave feedback on the impact of the course in their individual practices back home. Certificates were given out. Vote of thanks was given.