Ethiopia has made a significant advance in combating tuberculosis (TB) by launching a national AI-powered digital X-ray system for TB screening. The rollout, inaugurated on 18 September 2025 during the Annual Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Review Meeting, was officiated by Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health. The initiative positions Ethiopia among the first countries in Africa to adopt this innovative technology on a large scale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia was recognized for its vital role in this national achievement. WHO contributed to the development of the National Implementation Guideline on AI-Powered Digital X-ray for TB Screening and supported the training of 75 healthcare workers, including radiology personnel and program officers, to ensure the effective operation of the machines and linkage to diagnosis and care.
Ethiopia has procured and distributed 225 AI-powered digital X-ray machines across health facilities in all regions, enabling early TB screening and detection. Dr. Dereje emphasized that strong government commitment and partner collaboration have been essential to achieving this milestone. WHO Ethiopia, REACH Ethiopia, and other partners were acknowledged for their technical and operational support in developing national guidance and strengthening the capacity of the health workforce.
During the launch event, WHO Ethiopia received a certificate of recognition from the Ministry of Health for its continuous support to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Program and the country’s broader TB response. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, spread through droplet infection. While some infected individuals remain asymptomatic, active TB can cause persistent cough, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. TB is preventable and curable with a standard four- to six-month course of antibiotics.
Ethiopia is among the 30 high-burden countries for TB and TB/HIV, and TB remains one of the top ten causes of death globally. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, Ethiopia records an estimated 188,000 new TB cases annually. Current humanitarian challenges, including conflict, population displacement, and drought, are exacerbating TB transmission and increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB, with an estimated 1.1% of new cases and 12% of previously treated cases being drug-resistant.
