Case Study

Tajikistan – Active Case Finding in Remote Areas with Delft Light & CAD4TB

Delft Light in Tajikistan

In 2022, Tajikistan introduced Delft Light and CAD4TB for the first time to improve TB detection among key and vulnerable populations in remote and mountainous regions.

Screening in remote and mountainous areas

Delft Light and CAD4TB were deployed to conduct TB screening in hard-to-reach regions.

Focus on key and vulnerable populations

Screening targeted risk groups, including TB contacts, mine workers, educators, students, and other vulnerable populations.

AI-supported presumptive identification

Chest X-rays were analyzed using CAD4TB to identify presumptive TB cases.

Confirmatory testing and treatment

Presumptive TB cases underwent Xpert testing or clinical evaluation, followed by treatment initiation.

Result – National screening
  • Over 3,000 people have been screened using Delft Light and CAD4TB.
  • 146 presumptive TB cases were identified that further undertook Xpert test or clinical examination and 45 are diagnosed with TB.
  • All of them initiated TB treatment.
Result – In the Sogd province
  • 2,286 people from the risk group were screened, 121 presumptive TB were identified and 43 were confirmed with active TB.
  • Additionally, 360 TB contact persons were examined across the province, 18 presumptive TB cases were identified.
  • 10 patients were diagnosed with TB and started treatment.
Result – In the Asht region
  • 480 teachers and students were screened. Among them, 22 presumptive TB were identified.
  • Further clinical examination and Xpert testing were performed.
  • Treatment was initiated for the 3 TB cases identified.
Result – Military personnel (remote areas)
  • 687 people were screened, 46 presumptive TB were identified.
  • Treatment followed for the 30 that were diagnosed with TB.
Delft Light in Tajikistan
Conclusion
  • TB screening was also conducted among mine workers and key & vulnerable populations
  • Ultra-portable digital X-ray with CAD4TB enabled effective TB screening in remote and mountainous settings.

REFERENCE: N. Madjidovich (2022, August 31). Practical application of portable digital X-ray systems in tuberculosis service of Republic of Tajikistan. New tools for TB detection: How to implement portable X-ray, CAD & AI technology, Delft Imaging webinar.