Nigeria – Impact of ultra-portable digital X-ray with CAD4TB for active TB case-finding
Reaching underserved and hard-to-reach populations remains a priority for tuberculosis control in Nigeria. Ultra-portable digital X-ray systems combined with CAD4TB offer opportunities to strengthen active case-finding strategies and identify subclinical disease.
Intervention
A review was conducted of TB screening data collected during active case-finding activities using ultra-portable digital X-ray units with CAD4TB across multiple Nigerian states.
Result
- Nearly 95,000 individuals were screened, with a high proportion identified as presumptive TB.
- TB confirmation rates were substantial, and screening identified individuals without classical TB symptoms.
- Time to diagnosis and treatment initiation was short, with many patients receiving same-day services.
Conclusion
- Ultra-portable digital X-ray with CAD4TB enables timely and efficient TB case finding, including detection of subclinical disease.
- Scaling this approach can strengthen Nigeria’s ACF interventions, provided that appropriate CAD thresholds are applied for different population groups.
REFERENCE: Alege A. et al. (2025). Imapct of the use of the ultra-portable digial X-ray with CAD4TB for active case finding for tuberculosis in Nigeria. Frontiers in Digital Health.