Cross River State has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against Tuberculosis (TB) with the deployment of five state-of-the-art, Artificial Intelligence-enabled portable digital X-ray machines aimed at strengthening active case-finding, particularly in high-burden communities.
The milestone initiative was formally unveiled by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, PhD, alongside the Senior Program Officer for the KNCV TB-LON Project, Dr. Cynthia Onwuteaka, marking a significant leap in the state’s respiratory health response.
The intervention, facilitated by the Global Fund through the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), is designed to accelerate early detection and treatment of TB, thereby reducing transmission and mortality. The advanced equipment has been strategically stationed at five key public health facilities across the state, with trained radiographers already deployed to ensure effective and efficient use of the technology.
Speaking during a technical briefing, Dr. Onwuteaka described the deployment as a game-changer in TB control, noting that the AI-powered machines enable pre-symptomatic diagnosis, a departure from the traditional symptom-based screening approach.
“This machine does a form of pre-symptomatic diagnosis where the X-ray is now used for screening,” she explained. “Once lesions of TB are detected, even when the patient has no symptoms, we are able to identify and manage the case. It is a major step forward in active case-finding within the community.”
In his remarks, Dr. Ayuk commended the Global Fund and KNCV for their sustained partnership with the state, stressing that the deployment aligns with global efforts to eliminate TB and other major epidemics by 2030.
“Universal Health Coverage is fundamental. The world is fighting against all forms of diseases, and government alone cannot do this,” the Commissioner stated. “We are deeply grateful for this support, and we will ensure that the personnel trained for this purpose are utilized maximally for the benefit of our people.”
He further assured that the Ministry of Health would provide the necessary leadership to guarantee proper utilization and maintenance of the equipment, adding that a comprehensive briefing would be presented to the State Governor to highlight the technological advancement and its public health impact.
The engagement concluded with a firm commitment to fully integrate the AI-enabled digital X-ray technology into the state’s public health framework as part of broader efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, early diagnosis, and effective response.
Also present at the meeting were the State Program Officer for the KNCV Global Fund GC7 Project, Dr. Enoch Asuquo; the State TBLCP Program Manager, Elder (Mrs.) Ajom Ikongha; and senior directors of the Ministry of Health, underscoring the collective resolve to scale up TB control efforts across Cross River State.
Kingsley Agim/Jessica Ubi
