AI-Driven TB Screening Revolutionizes Detection in Underserved Regions

Health clinics in low- and middle-income countries are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to screen for tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest infectious disease. This technology, which can provide results in seconds, is being used in over 80 countries, including Mali, Nigeria, and Chad.

Revolutionizing TB Detection

At the Boniaba Community Health Center in Mali, a mother suffering from a persistent cough received a TB diagnosis almost instantly, thanks to a mobile x-ray machine and an AI algorithm. The AI produces a heat map with yellow-red spots, indicating areas of concern. This process, which previously took weeks, now takes just moments.

"It is revolutionary," says Dr. Lucica Ditiu, executive director of the Stop TB Partnership. "There are countries in which there are less than five radiologists. It's like a disaster. And, even if you have some, they will always be in the capitals."

Global Impact

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria has invested nearly $200 million in AI-enabled TB screenings over the past four years. Peter Sands, the fund's executive director, emphasizes the importance of this technology: "It's brilliant. There are no radiologists. So who gets to look at the [x-ray] and say: 'Is there a problem here or not?' Well, actually, AI does."

Diakité Lancine, who works for the local nonprofit ARCAD Santé PLUS, uses a mobile x-ray machine to screen individuals. He explains, "The blue there is nothing bad, but whenever you see the red — the red means this part is not good."

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the technology is promising, some experts urge caution, emphasizing the need for more regulations and guardrails to protect patients. Despite these concerns, the potential for AI to accelerate disease detection and control in underserved regions is significant.

References

• AI steps in to detect the world's deadliest infectious disease