Lodwar, April 28, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana County screened 700 people for tuberculosis (TB) on the first day of the Artificial Intelligence Against TB campaign’s Global Chest X-ray Challenge. The county is one of six selected for its AI-powered X-ray capabilities. 

Free screenings run from April 28–30 at California Market and April 30–May 1 at Canaan Village, targeting 300 daily (1,200 total). Day one exceeded 50% of its goal. 

Dr. Job Okemwa, the county’s TB, leprosy, and lung diseases coordinator, said the initiative uses AI to identify missed TB cases. Sputum samples were also collected from children under 15 and pregnant women for inclusivity. 

“AI X-rays assist clinicians in diagnosing TB before lab tests,” said Dr. Okemwa. The software generates a heat map, scoring lung abnormalities from 60–100 (40+ in high-burden Turkana). Positive cases undergo confirmatory lab tests. 

Gregory Onyango of AMREF Health Africa noted that Kenya misses 40% of TB cases annually. Quarterly outreaches aim to bridge this gap.  The global challenge ranks countries by screenings, diagnoses, and treatment initiations. “We urge residents to utilise these free services,” added Dr. Okemwa. 

Kenya Red Cross emphasised TB’s status as a top infectious killer. Community campaigns reduce stigma and improve access.  “Now we know our status and can get free treatment. We’re confident we’ll recover,” said beneficiary Faith Ereng. SHA volunteer Francis Kepat added, “This helps those who need it most but can’t afford hospitals.” 

AMREF, the Kenya Red Cross, and the Ministry of Health’s TB/Leprosy Unit support the outreach.