The outcome of the two-week training workshop for audiology technicians in Yaoundé was the official handover of a copy of the Audiology Technicians Curriculum and Training Manual to the University of Yaoundé I and the Ministry of Public Health. These documents, intended for consideration in the inclusion of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) curriculum at the University of Yaounde 1, were handed over by CBM International Ear and Hearing Care Advisor – Dr. Diego Santana and CBM Country Director, Mr. Fon Julius, in Yaoundé.
The activity took place in the presence of Prof. Tih Pius Muffih, the Project Clinical Supervisor, Dr. Acha Everistus, some project staff, the Head of the Department of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Yaoundé I, Prof. Djomou Francois, and the trained audiology technicians. The closing ceremony, presided over by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, Prof. Njock Louis Richard, featured presentations and speeches from various officials.
In his presentation summarizing the two-week training, the support facilitator, Dr. Diego Santana, revealed that this was the second strategic training organized this year for clinical officers to enhance their skills in primary ear and hearing care; after the training in March 2025, some participants were selected for further training in audiology. He emphasized the importance of stakeholders working internationally to increase the number of audiology technicians in the country, as current numbers are limited compared to the demand. Dr. Diego Santana facilitated the training alongside World Wide Hearing’s Madison Saunders from the USA and Sarah Sadi from Canada.
The clinical supervisor, Dr. Acha Everistus, expressed satisfaction with the skills participants gained during the training. He added that the participants will continue to train their colleagues under his supervision. He acknowledged that many of those trained lack the necessary equipment in their facilities. He urged the Ministry of Public Health to support health facilities with basic equipment to enable them to provide essential care to clients.
Speaking, Prof Tih Pius, erstwhile Director of Health Services, expressed gratitude to BMZ and CBM for funding the pilot training of audiology technicians in Cameroon. “Your vision and generous support have made it possible to embark on this ground-breaking initiative, bringing essential skills and services to communities in need. We are honoured to partner with an organization that places such high value on inclusive hearing health,” Prof. Tih Pius remarked.
As the 13 audiology technician trainees received their end-of-course attestations, handed to them by officials led by the Secretary General in the Ministry of Health, they praised the funders and the Ministry of Public Health for upgrading their skills. “When we started the training, I noticed that I was quite empty, and my knowledge of audiology started progressing until the end of the course. I can now identify hearing loss, prescribe hearing aids, and fit them for clients. I will do my best to offer these services, which are highly needed by the community,” Ngantanu Killian expressed.
“The training has been a transformative experience for me because I have gained knowledge about audiometers, fitting hearing aids, and ear screening for newborns. This is knowledge that money cannot buy. I will say my knowledge in audiology has been expanded. Health care delivery will be improved as we return to our various stations.” Amindeeh Celina disclosed.
The CBM Country Director expressed gratitude for the smooth implementation of the activity. He pledged CBM’s support to ensure that more milestones are achieved. “Within the framework of our commitment as CBM, we are always ready to explore further opportunities to support and strengthen systems to bring transformational change in the communities we serve,” Mr. Fon Julius committed.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, Professor Njock Louis Richard, charged the participants with the responsibility to restore hearing and promote inclusion. “I encourage you to uphold the highest standard of professionalism, compassion, and dedication in the practice of your new skills,” Prof Njock Louis concluded.
Free Outreach Programs
During the training, separate outreach programs were organized for participants to gain practical field experience at Etougebe Baptist Hospital in Biyemassi District, where 48 adults were screened, and at the Central Hospital in Yaoundé, where 23 children benefited from screening. A highlight of the outreach was the neonatal screening of 10 newborn babies at the Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Yaoundé (CHUY). These outreach activities enabled participants to gain hands-on experience and offer basic ear and hearing services to the community, such as otoscopy, ear wax removal, tympanometry, and audiometry.
Philip Fomban, one of the beneficiaries, testified that it was an opportunity for him to access audiology services free of charge, a service he might not have received because of its high cost in hospitals in Cameroon. Like him, many other beneficiaries were happy and expressed their wishes for more of these services to make a positive impact in the community.
Fighting Hearing Aids
One of the goals of the audiology training in Yaoundé was to enhance participants’ ability to evaluate clients with ear conditions and recommend hearing aids when needed. During the training, the organizers invited some patients with ear conditions for screening. To demonstrate understanding, 14 clients who participated in the screening received hearing aids fitted by the participants free of charge.
One of the beneficiaries, Robert Didier, appreciated BMZ, CBM, CBC Health Services, and the Ministry of Public Health for organizing such a training, which is positively impacting the community. “I needed a hearing aid but could never have afforded one, but thanks to this training, I have one now for free.” Robert Didier appreciates.
The long-awaited training, which took place from August 11 to 22, 2025, has passed, but stakeholders and the community have high expectations of benefiting from the outcomes by receiving improved audiology services provided by the trainees.
