Nakuru County has taken a major step in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This initiative aims to enhance precision in detecting TB cases, leading to faster treatment and reducing community transmission.
Dr. Neimah Barasa, the County TB, Leprosy, and Lung Disease Coordinator, has highlighted the adoption of advanced technology such as digital AI-enabled X-ray machines, GeneXpert machines, and TrueNat point-of-care nucleic acid amplification test equipment. These tools are expected to improve the efficiency of TB diagnosis in Nakuru County, ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
One of the critical challenges in TB management is that up to 50% of infected individuals do not exhibit the classical symptoms of the disease. Dr. Neimah emphasized that early diagnosis through advanced technology is key to identifying and treating such cases before symptoms develop, thereby preventing further spread.
To enhance accessibility to TB diagnosis and treatment, Nakuru County has established 637 health facilities, with 250 designated as TB treatment centers and 102 as diagnostic sites. Additionally, the county has set up eight TB sample referral sites equipped with cutting-edge technology, including one digital AI-enabled X-ray machine, seven GeneXpert machines, and one TrueNat testing device.
The Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH) has been at the forefront of this initiative. Last year, it was among eight facilities nationwide that launched the Digital Chest X-ray (DCXR) program with AI support. This effort aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for TB diagnosis and management.
TrueNat, a molecular test for TB, was endorsed by WHO four years ago for its rapid and accurate detection capabilities. This chip-based test operates on battery power, making it suitable for remote laboratories, and can generate results within an hour. Moreover, it can detect resistance to Rifampicin a key TB drug in an additional hour, enabling clinicians to prescribe appropriate treatment immediately.
GeneXpert technology has also revolutionized TB diagnostics, especially for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). Unlike traditional sputum smear microscopy and conventional X-rays, GeneXpert can rapidly detect both drug-susceptible and rifampicin-resistant TB. However, these machines require electricity and can be costly to operate.
Dr. Neimah recalled that in the past, TB cases were frequently missed due to reliance on outdated diagnostic methods. Patients also had to wait several days for test results, delaying treatment. The introduction of AI-powered diagnostics has significantly improved detection rates and treatment outcomes.
NCTRH acquired its digital AI-enabled X-ray machine through support from the National TB Programme, the African Medical Research Foundation, and Qure.ai, an AI solutions provider. This technology automates radiology exam interpretation, accelerating diagnosis and reducing the workload for radiologists and clinicians.
According to Nakuru County Executive for Health, Roselyn Mungai, the adoption of AI-driven imaging has enhanced diagnostic accuracy and reduced turnaround times for TB patients. She confirmed that radiologists, radiographers, and clinical officers at NCTRH have been trained to use the new system effectively.
“The AI-powered X-ray technology is a game-changer for our hospital, which serves multiple counties. It has streamlined the TB diagnosis process, benefiting both doctors and patients,” Mungai stated.
A delegation of health workers from Homa Bay County recently visited Nakuru on a learning exchange program to strengthen TB care and service integration. During their discussions, stakeholders addressed key aspects of TB prevention, detection, and treatment, including community-based care, diagnostic innovations, and public-private partnerships.
Participants also shared insights on quality improvement strategies, monitoring and evaluation systems, and TB commodity management. These discussions aimed to enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Despite significant progress, Kenya continues to face challenges in eradicating TB. Social and economic factors, healthcare system limitations, and biological factors such as co-infection with HIV/AIDS complicate efforts to control the disease. HIV weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to TB and making treatment more complex.
TB remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Kenya, affecting people of all ages. However, the disease takes its greatest toll on individuals aged 15 to 44, who represent the most productive segment of the population.
Kenya ranks fourth in Africa in TB burden, following South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. According to the Kenya Demographic Survey 2022, approximately 12,000 new TB infections occur annually, with 32,000 deaths reported each year. However, TB-related deaths declined from 31,000 in 2019 to 21,000 in 2022, indicating progress in disease management.
The integration of AI into TB diagnosis and treatment represents a transformative shift in Kenya’s public health landscape. By leveraging AI-powered screening, rapid molecular testing, and improved imaging techniques, Nakuru County is setting a precedent for TB control efforts nationwide.
Going forward, continued investment in AI technology, training for healthcare workers, and expanded access to diagnostic tools will be critical in eliminating TB in Kenya. With collaborative efforts from stakeholders at the county, national, and international levels, the country is moving closer to achieving its TB eradication goals.
