BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The fight against tuberculosis received a major boost today as Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula commissioned four TB screening trucks and 12 motorbikes valued at over E21 million. The vehicles were procured with the support of The Global Fund to expand the reach of TB services across the country.
Three of the trucks are equipped with advanced Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, together with Gene-Xpert machines for rapid and reliable diagnosis. The 12 motorbikes will support outreach teams by enabling health workers to access rural and hard-to-reach communities where TB services are often limited.
Minister Matsebula highlighted that the investment represents a turning point in the country’s efforts to eliminate TB. “Through the integration of CAD/AI technology, we are enhancing our ability to screen and diagnose TB faster and more accurately. This technological leap will enable early and quick case detection to reduce delays in initiating care and ultimately save lives,” he said.
The Minister further revealed that one of the trucks was successfully tested at the recently ended Eswatini International Trade Fair. A total of 229 people were screened, with eight positive cases detected and immediately referred for medical care.
The availability of mobile screening units is expected to significantly improve early detection, cut transmission rates, and reduce the burden on health facilities. By bringing services directly to the people, especially those in remote areas, the Ministry of Health is working to remove barriers such as distance and stigma that often prevent individuals from getting tested.The commissioning also signals determination to achieve TB-free status by 2028, ten years ahead of the global target.
(Courtesy Pics)
