Liberia’s strides to eradicate the killer disease Tuberculosis through early prevention, diagnosis, and cure were boosted recently with the donation of four cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) X-ray machines.
First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai, dedicating the state-of-the-art equipment Monday during the World TB Day commemoration, said the equipment marked a significant step forward in the national drive to relegate TB to the history books.
“Validated by the World Health Organization, WHO, these are not just tools but elements of progress and innovation. They serve as a platform for TB screening programs and case management, producing TB reports in less than 15 seconds,” Mrs. Boakai asserted.
The modern machines, which are the first of their kind in the country, have been 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 Boakai, who delivered the keynote message for the day, believes the high-tech equipment is poised to take the fight against TB to another level.
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.
Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, along with representatives from the World Health Organization, USAID, Partners in Health, Plan International, JFK Hospital, the Liberian Senate Health Committee, among others, joined the First Lady in commissioning the machines.
The TB disease is said to be serious in Liberia as the country witnesses a rise in the number of cases.
However, the country has recorded some tremendous success, especially in the treatment of the disease, according to the 2023 Demographic and Health Indicator Survey which puts Liberia’s TB treatment success rate at about 76.6 percent.
First Lady Boakai acknowledged the progress but challenged her compatriots to do more to propel Liberia to reducing TB deaths by 95% and cutting new cases by 90% by 2035 as enshrined in the post-2015 End TB Strategy.
WN/as/APA