At least 60,000 Kenyans will be tested using a new technology in the first-ever post-independence tuberculosis survey, the Health ministry has said.
Launching the survey at Kemsa on Friday, head of disease prevention and control Joseph Sitienei said they will rely on the portable digital ray systems from Delft Imaging Systems.
These low-weight systems can be transported in a pick up van to the most remote areas in Kenya.
Megascope Health MD Richard Ngatia said digital diagnostic imaging is advancing the quality and affordability of healthcare around the world.
“Computer-aided detection for tuberclosis and teleradiology using mobile phone networks will allow Kenya to fight TB more effectively,” Ngatia said.
In the past, low quality chest x ray films made in remote areas had to be developed and the transported by air to Nairobi for expert reading.
The digital chest images for the prevalence survey will be of constant high quality and become available within five seconds on the monitor.
All digital images will be sent electronically within 35 seconds reading and back up.
