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.
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 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.”
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. Lousie 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 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.
In her keynote address, 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.
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