from ADANE BIKILA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia Bureau
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) – ETHIOPIA has launched a national artificial intelligence-powered digital X-ray system for tuberculosis (TB) screening.
This is a major step forward in the fight against the virus.
To facilitate the national rollout, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Ethiopia supported the training of 75 health-care workers, including radiology personnel and programme officers, to effectively operate the machines for tuberculosis (TB) screening and ensure linkage to diagnosis and care.
“Ethiopia is one of the first countries in Africa to adopt and implement this new innovation at such a large scale,” said Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health.
“The country has procured and distributed 225 AI-powered digital X-ray machines to health facilities across all regions to support early TB screening and detection.”
Strong government commitment and partner collaboration are the backbones of this major milestone in our national efforts to end the TB epidemic.”
Duguma extended his appreciation to WHO Ethiopia, REACH Ethiopia, and other partners for their technical and operational support, which has been instrumental in developing the national guidance and strengthening the capacity of the health workforce.
Ethiopia is among the 30 high-burden countries for TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide and the leading infectious killer.
According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, there are an estimated 188 000 (146 per 100 000) incident TB cases in Ethiopia.
The current humanitarian context—including conflict, population displacement, and drought—is fueling TB transmission and increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB.
– CAJ News