Eighteen (18) participants from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville recently attended a training workshop to equip them to provide accessible ear and hearing services throughout the region. The workshop, provided by EARs Inc., aims to fill the gap in this medical service provided to the people. This is because the service is provided by both the Buka hospital, and Callan Services National Unit (CSNU) through Callan Connect, a two- year project that is delivering disability screening and diagnosis assessment services in Western province, the Kokoda Track and Bougainville; however, there is still need for additional support in this area. Speaking at the recent workshop, Dr. Tommy Wotsia, Senior Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Buka Hospital, expressed support for Callan Services in Bougainville. He informed the workshop that about 60% of patients at the ENT clinic have ear or hearing issues and both the hospital and Callan Services work together to assist these patients. “The hospital does not have special equipment to test ears. We have been referring patients to CSNU for testing, and CSNU has been referring patients back to the hospital for specialist care,” he added. Dr. Wotsia also said that he looks forward to establishing a referral pathway and accompanying agreement for ear and hearing care services in the region. Australia supports projects like Callan Connect to ensure that people with disabilities have access to health opportunities that will enhance their quality of life and ensure their participation in community life. The training, conducted by Ear Training Facilitator Donna Carkeet from EARs Inc., covered the following topics: •     Conduct rapid screenings: Identify individuals who may have hearing loss. •     Perform detailed diagnostic assessments: Confirm the presence and extent of hearing loss. •     Prescribe hearing aids: Provide appropriate treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss. •     Refer to medical centres: Guide individuals with severe hearing loss to specialists. •     Treatment for common ear injuries: Equip participants to address basic ear health concerns. •     Community awareness: Empower participants to educate communities about hearing protection and prevention strategies. Meanwhile, the participants who attended the one-week EAR health training in Buka included three recruits, a technician, and two clinicians who will be based at the Buka Inclusive Education Resource Centre (IERC) and its sub-centre in Arawa. These trained staff will provide full-time screening and diagnostic services at the IERC in Buka and Arawa. The other 12 participants trained are volunteers from the Buka IERC, Bougainville Disabled People’s Organization, Arawa, and Wakunai, who will accompany the Callan Connect Team on their outreach services to the community in Bougainville.