Nigeria – Bi-directional screening with OneStopTB Mobile Clinic & CAD4TB
The “WoW” truck’s integrated testing approach, highlighted in a WHO case study, showcased its effectiveness in TB, COVID-19, and HIV screening, diagnosing multiple cases across these diseases. This model provided crucial early diagnosis and treatment linkage, demonstrating a successful strategy for addressing concurrent health challenges in communities.
Deployed for community screening
The “WoW” truck, was deployed to provide integrated TB, COVID-19, and HIV screening during community outreach activities.
Digital X-ray with AI
All participants were screened using digital chest X-ray supported by CAD4TB to identify individuals with presumptive tuberculosis.
Confirmatory molecular testing
Individuals identified as presumptive TB cases were referred for bacteriological confirmation using GeneXpert.
Multi-disease approach
In parallel, participants were offered SARS-CoV-2 testing using nasopharyngeal swabs and HIV screening, enabling a single-entry point for multiple priority diseases.
Between June and July 2020, 1,931 individuals were enrolled. Of these:
- Among the persons screened, 1,252 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for SARS COV-2 and all were screened for HIV.
- 183 (15%) COVID-19 and 12 (1.0%) HIV cases were diagnosed. The COVID-19/HIV co-infection rate was 0.5% and COVID/TB co-infection rate was 0%.
- Integrated mobile screening using digital X-ray with CAD4TB enables early identification of TB while supporting simultaneous testing for other priority diseases.
- The OneStopTB Mobile Clinic model improves access to diagnosis and facilitates timely linkage to treatment for TB and COVID-19 at the community level.
- This multi-disease, community-based approach demonstrates a scalable strategy for strengthening early case finding and health system responsiveness in public health emergencies.
REFERENCE: “Using CAD in bi-directional screening”, Dr Bethrand Odume (KNCV Nigeria) presented at Delft Imaging’s Webinar on 30th June 2021. Gidado et al., “Early experience in implementation of an integrated covid-19 and TB community-based active case finding in Nigeria”, researchgate, October 2020.