Liberia’s strides to eradicate the killer disease Tuberculosis through early prevention, diagnosis, and cure was boosted recently with the donation of four cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) X-ray machines.
Making this gesture the first of its kind in the country, the machines were strategically distributed among four major hospitals, including TB Annex, JFK Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, and C. H. Rennie Hospital in Montserrado and Margibi Counties.
First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, dedicating the state-of-the-art equipment Monday during the observance of the World TB Day said the equipment marked a significant step forward in the national drive to relegating TB to the history books.
“Validated by the World Health Organization, WHO, these are not just tools but elements of progress, innovation and hope,” Mrs. Boakai asserted. “They serve as a platform for TB screening program and case management, producing TB report in less than 15 seconds.”
She thanked the Global Fund along with partners and stakeholders for their support to the Ministry of Health in improving the overall health condition of the Liberian people.
TB disease is said to be serious in Liberia as the country is among less-developed nations with a huge number of cases.
However, the country has recorded some tremendous success, especially in the treatment of the disease.
The 2023 Demographic and Health Indicator Survey puts Liberia’s TB treatment success rate at about 76.6 percent.
First Lady Boakai acknowledged the progress but challenged everyone to do more as she committed her office supporting the fight against TB across the country.
