In a major leap forward for tuberculosis (TB) control in East Africa, Uganda has received a powerful boost from the United States government with 48 digital chest X-ray machines, 33 TB-LAMP diagnostic platforms, and 33 medical tricycles to enhance nationwide TB screening and early detection.
The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, and USAID Uganda Mission Director, Daniele Nyirandutiye, formally handed over the equipment to Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ruth Aceng at the Ministry offices in Kampala.
At the heart of the donation is an innovative diagnostic approach known as the Mobile X-LAMP, a combination of portable digital X-ray with computer-aided detection (CAD) and TB-LAMP technology, all designed to bring rapid, high-quality TB diagnostics directly into communities.
The equipment is expected to screen more than 500,000 people over the next year, saving lives and strengthening epidemic preparedness in Uganda.
The support also includes thermal scanners aimed at improving Ebola screening at key border entry points, bolstering Uganda’s readiness to respond to outbreaks.
“This will expand Uganda’s diagnostic capacity for TB and other diseases through mobile digital X-ray services. With nearly 500 WHO-recommended TB diagnostic platforms deployed nationwide, we’re strengthening early detection and treatment,” Aceng said.
With 68 districts now equipped with mobile X-ray capabilities, Uganda’s Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to detect TB early, a critical step in both treatment and prevention.
“Early detection saves lives,” Aceng underscored.
She praised the work of frontline health workers, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs), who are essential in integrated disease surveillance and community health education.
“Strengthening community health is vital to eliminating TB and other preventable diseases,” she said.
She added that Uganda continues to prioritize health under its National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto, which identifies health as a central pillar of socioeconomic transformation.
“We remain committed to the fight against TB,” Aceng affirmed, expressing deep appreciation to all partners for their steadfast support.
