Kenya has launched 80 ultra-portable, AI-powered digital X-ray machines to improve early detection and management of tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases, marking a significant advance in the country’s digital health strategy. The rollout, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at KEMSA in Nairobi, coincided with the unveiling of the Kenya Integrated Lung Health Guidelines. Supported by the Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the initiatives aim to enhance access to quality lung health services across all 47 counties and address the high burden of TB and respiratory conditions in the country.
The AI-enabled X-ray machines employ Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software to automatically analyze chest images and flag potential signs of TB or lung abnormalities. Their lightweight, battery-powered design allows deployment in remote and resource-limited settings, ensuring equitable access. Each county will receive at least one machine, accompanied by training for healthcare workers and community health promoters. The new Integrated Lung Health Guidelines standardize care for TB, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases, strengthening data collection and enabling timely, effective treatment. According to WHO, Kenya has achieved a 41 percent reduction in TB incidence and a 66 percent drop in TB deaths since 2015, with the new technology expected to accelerate these gains.
Health officials emphasize that technology must be practical and community-focused to have real impact. Every lung matters, every life counts, and no one will be left behind, Duale stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to data-driven, patient-centered healthcare. WHO representatives underscored the prioritization of high-risk populations, including urban informal settlements, correctional facilities, and high HIV-burden counties. By integrating AI diagnostics with standardized clinical guidelines, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in innovative, equitable digital health solutions in Africa, aiming to reduce disease burden while expanding access to quality healthcare for all citizens.