An Interview with Chinedu Maduka, CEO of McPage, on the Impact of Delft Imaging’s Solutions in Combating Tuberculosis in Nigeria
As Nigeria tackles the challenging task of fighting tuberculosis (TB), innovative solutions and strong partnerships are more crucial than ever. Leading this effort is McPage, the local partner of Delft Imaging, a Dutch company that focuses on medical imaging and artificial intelligence. Guided by CEO Chinedu Maduka, McPage is making great progress in finding and controlling TB, bringing hope to a country that is still heavily affected by the disease.
Navigating the challenges of TB in Nigeria
Nigeria faces a unique set of challenges in its fight against TB, a disease that remains one of the leading causes of death in the country. For Mr. Maduka, the core of the problem lies in identifying asymptomatic patients—those who show no obvious signs of infection but can still spread the disease.
“Identifying asymptomatic clients and patients is one of the biggest challenges we face,” Mr. Maduka explains. “Delft’s PDX and CAD4TB assist in profiling those asymptomatic patients for further laboratory diagnosis. Fortunately, over 95% of the profiled clients confirmed positive for molecular diagnosis.”
This innovation is not just a technological breakthrough but a game-changer in TB control. It ensures that individuals who might otherwise slip through the cracks are identified and treated, effectively reducing the spread of TB and improving public health outcomes.
Government collaboration and deployment
The success of any health initiative, particularly in a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, hinges on collaboration and support from the government and international partners. According to Mr. Maduka, the Nigerian government is actively collaborating with global funders and partners such as the Global Fund (GF), USAID, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and the Health Alliance Global (HAG) to procure and strengthen the deployment of Delft’s solutions.
“The government is collaborating with funders and partners like GF, USAID, KNCV, IHVN, and HAG to procure and strengthen the PDX deployment and use. These solutions will be deployed across the 36 States plus FCT in Nigeria.” he says.
This widespread deployment speaks volumes about the government’s commitment to tackling TB and the trust they place in innovative solutions like those provided by Delft Imaging.
From pilot to nationwide rollout
The impact of Delft’s solutions on Nigeria’s TB control efforts has been nothing short of phenomenal. What began as a pilot project with a single unit of PDX in collaboration with the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has now grown into a nationwide effort with over 200 units deployed across the country.
“It’s fantastic! Great innovation with maximum impact,” Mr. Maduka enthuses. “It started as an introducing new tools project in Nigeria with KNCV as the pilot with 1 unit of PDX. Fast-forward a few years, and we have over 200 units in Nigeria. This shows not only stakeholders’ willingness to invest but also the quality and impact of the solution.”
The scaling up from a pilot project to a nationwide initiative in just a few years highlights the effectiveness of Delft’s solutions and the significant role they play in Nigeria’s TB control strategy. The portable x-ray machines and the CAD4TB software have revolutionised TB detection, making it easier and faster to diagnose and treat patients, ultimately saving countless lives.
Driving TB control through teamwork and dedication
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mr. Maduka speaks highly of the partnerships that have made these achievements possible. “Working with KNCV, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and other stakeholders in the TB space has been fantastic,” he shares. “Our relationship and commitment have yielded the results you see today, and there’s still much more to come.”
The fight against TB in Nigeria is far from over, but with the persistence, innovation, and collaboration demonstrated by McPage and its partners, there is hope for a future where TB no longer poses a significant threat to the health of Nigerians. Under Mr. Maduka’s leadership, McPage is poised to continue playing a crucial role in this ongoing battle, ensuring that the power of Delft’s innovative solutions is fully harnessed to make a lasting impact on TB control in Nigeria.
