ILOILO CITY – Artificial intelligence will be utilized in early detection of tuberculosis (TB) in Iloilo province.
The Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. (PTSI) recently partnered with the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) for the Screens to End TB project.
The Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. and the Iloilo Provincial Health Office discuss the Screens to End TB project. (IPHO)
With an AI-powered X-ray machine, at least 12,000 free chest X-ray screenings can be conducted across the 42 towns and component city.
The project aims to detect at least 360 cases, including close contact of those infected, which will encourage treatment to curb the spread of the disease.
PTSI estimated that there were more than 13,2700 cases across Iloilo in 2023. But PTSI noted that this is underreported, with only 8,964 actual cases recorded that year. PTSI also found that treatment also remained low.
PTSI representatives Dr. Pilar Mabasa and Charity Perea recently met Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, to discuss the roll out of the project.
With a portable X-ray machine, the project can also reach far-flung areas, including island and mountain barangays.
Screens to End TB Project is funded by the Stop TB Partnership under the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).