Uzbekistan embraces AI for TB screening

In a nation with a population of over 34 million, an estimated 21,000 people developed TB in 202. Additionally, more than 7000 are said to be missing people with TB, of which more than 1000 are children. By 2025, Uzbekistan’s National TB Strategy for 2021-2026 aims to reduce the TB incidence rate by 50% and the death toll attributed to the disease by 75%.

In 2021, Delft Imaging delivered two innovative ultra-portable Delft Light backpack X-ray systems with CAD4TB software (to automatically detect TB-related abnormalities on chest X-rays)to the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan. The aim was to provide for the vulnerable communities of remote regions in the nation. The project, funded by USAID, was implemented in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Program of Uzbekistan. The portable X-ray machines will be used in the Tashkent region.

Additionally, in 2023, we provided six Delft Light with CAD4TB to the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan to roll-out across all regions of the country. The procurement was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and also included the necessary training and installation services to ensure a successful roll-out.