Liberia’s efforts to combat Tuberculosis (TB) through early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment have been bolstered by the recent donation of four advanced artificial intelligence (AI) X-ray machines. First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai dedicated the state-of-the-art equipment during the World TB Day commemoration on Monday.
“These are not just tools but elements of progress and innovation,” Mrs. Boakai stated. “They serve as a platform for TB screening programs and case management, producing TB reports in less than 15 seconds.”
The AI X-ray machines, validated by the World Health Organization (WHO), are the first of their kind in Liberia. They have been distributed among four major hospitals: TB Annex, JFK Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, and C.H. Rennie Hospital in Montserrado and Margibi Counties.
First Lady Boakai emphasized that this high-tech equipment is set to elevate the fight against TB significantly. She expressed gratitude to the Global Fund and other partners for their support in enhancing Liberia's healthcare system.
Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, along with representatives from WHO, USAID, Partners in Health, Plan International, JFK Hospital, and the Liberian Senate Health Committee were present at the commissioning ceremony.
Despite being one of the less-developed nations with a high number of TB cases, Liberia has made notable progress in treating the disease. The 2023 Demographic and Health Indicator Survey reported a TB treatment success rate of approximately 76.6 percent.
In her keynote address, First Lady Boakai acknowledged these achievements but urged continued efforts to reduce TB deaths by 95% and cut new cases by 90% by 2035 as outlined in the post-2015 End TB Strategy.
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