Shafaqna English- Artificial intelligence is transforming tuberculosis (TB) detection across low- and middle-income countries, bringing rapid diagnosis to regions with few or no radiologists, according to NPR.
In Mali’s Boniaba Community Health Center, a mobile x-ray machine powered by AI recently diagnosed a mother with TB in seconds; a process that once took weeks. Similar technology is now being used in more than 80 countries, including Nigeria and Chad, where access to radiologists is extremely limited.
AI models trained on thousands of x-rays are helping health workers identify potential TB cases instantly, triggering faster lab confirmations and treatment. Global Fund, which has invested $200 million in AI-based TB screening, says the approach is “brilliant” for areas lacking medical infrastructure.
TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, killing more than 3,500 people every day. Experts say AI could help close detection gaps but, also warn that proper regulation and data protection are vital as the technology expands across vulnerable communities.
Source: NPR