Approximately 24,000 people have developed TB in Sierra Leone, one of the highest TB burden countries. Not only are 2600 among those diagnosed children but an additional 6,449 people with TB are estimated to be missing.
Sierra Leone understands that early screening is critical to staying ahead of the curve.
Delft Imaging’s work in Sierra Leone has been an intensive one. In 2018, the IDA Foundation, funded by the Global Fund, installed 12 EasyDR at Connaught and 10 district hospitals. Delivered by us, these multi-functional digital X-ray systems were fully solar-powered and included charging batteries that allowed 4-6 hours of operation in case of grid failure.
Additionally, we have supplied two portable X-ray systems for active TB case finding. These are powered by CAD4TB, the artificial intelligence software that detects TB-related abnormalities on chest X-rays. Subsequently, these images can be moved to a central archive using teleradiology, bringing remote expertise to local doctors.
The Government of Sierra Leone has a 5-year maintenance contract with us and our in-country local partner for all systems.
Furthermore, in 2021, we delivered another multi-functional EasyDR X-ray system to a hospital in Sierra Leone, supported by a local NGO.
Then, in 2022, we delivered a Delft Ultra, an ultra-portable X-ray solution, to an implementation organisation within the country. The Delft Ultra was delivered with the CAD4TB software, and installation and training services were performed accordingly.
In 2022 and 2023, we also delivered several BabyChecker solutions to the country, supporting the triage and detection of risky pregnancies within Sierra Leone.
Making a difference
In 2018 and 2019, August and February, respectively, Delft organised two-day IT training sessions. They were arranged for the IT officers of Sierra Leone’s EasyDR X-ray Project, wherein participating hospitals received EasyDRs equipped with CAD4TB and PACS software. Delft Imaging also provided a Chest X-ray Reading Course for doctors and physician assistants at Freetown’s main hospital in 2021.
