AI X-ray boosts TB detection in NCD

Detection of Tuberculosis or TB in the nation's capital has been made easier with the procurement and presentation of a portable "state-of-the-art, AI-driven X-ray machine" from the National Department of Health to the NCD Provincial Health Authority.

From statistics last year, the country reported between 40 thousand 50 thousand TB cases, and NCD has the largest TB burden, contributing to about 20 percent of this total number of cases.

Acting Secretary Public Health Ken Wai told NBC News this portable X-ray machine will make TB detection so much easier, when out in the communities testing.

He added through this portable X-ray machine, screening will be enhanced, in turn improving early detection, diagnosis and treatment:

Wai says there is a need for more awareness and for communities to assist in reducing the spread of this high burden disease to a 1000 or even 500 cases per annum.

He adds that people can help by not sleeping in crowded homes and immediately going for checks if coughing persists for more than two weeks and amoxicillin does not help.

Statistics from last year indicate NCD currently reports one person with TB for every 150 to 200 people in the city with a notification rate twice that of the country's national average.

Under the systemic screening Initiative rolled out in November last year, 1 person with TB is detected among every 36 NCD residents.

The three districts of Moresby South, North-West, and East have "equally higher TB caseloads".

The country reports more than 700 drug resistant TB cases every year and more than half of these cases are from NCD with evidence of ongoing community transmission.