Delft Imaging Ghana Successfully Completes ORIO TB Detection Project, Advancing Tuberculosis Screening in Ghana

In a landmark achievement for public health in Ghana, Delft Imaging Ghana LTD has finalized the ORIO Project, a key initiative aimed at accelerating tuberculosis (TB) case detection nationwide. This Ghana-Netherlands partnership aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities through advanced digital X-ray systems and artificial intelligence (AI).

Introduction

The ORIO TB Detection Project in Ghana represents a pivotal step toward eradicating tuberculosis by improving early detection and treatment access. Funded with €21 million through bilateral cooperation between Ghana and the Netherlands, the project was executed by Delft Imaging Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP). The completion ceremony, held on November 6, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, drew high-profile attendees, including the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana as guest speaker, alongside representatives from key institutions like the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Invest International, Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC), Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), and Radiation Protection Institute (RPI).

This event not only celebrated milestones in TB screening technology but also underscored the role of digital X-ray systems, solar-powered units, and AI-driven tools like CAD4TB in transforming Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. For those searching for insights into tuberculosis detection in Ghana, this project exemplifies scalable, sustainable solutions.

Analysis

To fully grasp the impact of the ORIO TB Detection Project, consider its alignment with global health goals. Tuberculosis remains a leading infectious killer, with Ghana reporting thousands of cases annually. The WHO End TB Strategy emphasizes early diagnosis via chest X-rays, a method revolutionized by digital technologies.

Technological Breakdown

Delft Imaging deployed 52 multifunctional digital X-ray systems, including 29 solar-powered containerized units ideal for remote areas, 19 fixed-room systems, two mobile screening trucks, and two portable devices. These tools enable high-resolution imaging, reducing radiation exposure and improving diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional film-based X-rays.

Infrastructure and AI Integration

A national tele-radiology platform now connects healthcare facilities, allowing real-time image sharing and remote evaluations by radiologists. The integration of CAD4TB software uses AI to automatically detect TB patterns in chest X-rays, flagging potential cases for human review and accelerating triage in resource-limited settings.

Capacity Building Impact

Training programs empowered over 540 professionals: 70 local engineers, 13 regional equipment managers, five second-line engineers, 50 revenue managers, 48 radiographers, 16 radiologists, and more than 340 doctors and physician assistants. This human capital investment ensures long-term operation and maintenance via a three-tier support model (local, regional, global).

Economically, the project’s sustainability through local staffing reduces dependency on foreign expertise, fostering self-reliance in TB diagnostics.

Summary

The ORIO Project has equipped Ghana with cutting-edge tools for TB detection, bridging gaps in rural and urban healthcare. By installing advanced digital X-ray systems and AI platforms nationwide, it has streamlined case identification, supported WHO guidelines, and built local expertise. The completion event highlighted these successes while proposing expansion, positioning Ghana as a leader in African TB control efforts.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For healthcare providers and policymakers interested in replicating TB detection models like the ORIO Project, start with needs assessment. Prioritize solar-powered digital X-ray units for off-grid regions in Ghana, where electricity reliability varies.

Implementing AI in TB Screening

Integrate CAD4TB by training radiographers on its workflow: Acquire chest X-ray, run AI analysis (sensitivity >90% per studies), and confirm with clinicians. This reduces workload and missed diagnoses.

Tele-Radiology Best Practices

Ensure high-speed internet at facilities for real-time uploads. Use standardized protocols for image quality to maximize remote readings. Local engineers should perform routine calibrations to maintain accuracy.

Leveraging Partnerships

Collaborate with international bodies like the Netherlands’ Invest International for funding. Document training outcomes to attract Phase II investments, emphasizing ROI through reduced TB transmission costs.

Points of Caution

While transformative, the ORIO TB Detection Project highlights challenges in TB control. Panelists noted potential hurdles like equipment maintenance in harsh climates and ensuring consistent AI software updates.

Radiation Safety

Compliance with NRA and RPI guidelines is critical. Digital X-rays emit less radiation, but operators must follow ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles, with regular dosimetry checks.

Sustainability Risks

Dependence on funding phases requires budgeting for spares and recurrent training. Monitor usage data to prevent underutilization in low-TB-prevalence areas.

Equity Concerns

Focus distribution on high-burden regions to avoid urban bias, ensuring mobile units serve nomadic or underserved populations effectively.

Comparison

Before the ORIO Project, Ghana relied on outdated analog X-rays, leading to delays in TB diagnosis. Post-implementation, digital systems offer faster processing (minutes vs. days) and AI boosts sensitivity by 10-20% over manual reads, per WHO-endorsed studies.

Vs. Neighboring Countries

Compared to Nigeria’s TB programs, Ghana’s tele-radiology network provides superior connectivity. Ethiopia’s similar solar X-ray initiatives lack Ghana’s national AI integration, making ORIO more comprehensive.

Global Benchmarks

The project’s scale mirrors India’s AI-TB pilots but excels in sustainability via local training, reducing expatriate costs by 70% long-term.

Legal Implications

The ORIO Project adheres to Ghanaian regulations overseen by the NRA and RPI, ensuring all X-ray equipment meets international safety standards (e.g., IEC 60601). No legal disputes arose, but operators must renew licenses annually. Import duties on medical devices were navigated via bilateral agreements, with no reported non-compliance. For Phase II, concessional financing from the Netherlands requires MoF approval, aligning with Public Financial Management Act provisions.

Conclusion

Delft Imaging Ghana’s completion of the ORIO TB Detection Project marks a triumph in the fight against tuberculosis, equipping the nation with 52 advanced digital X-ray systems, AI tools, and trained personnel. The event’s plenary, moderated by Bernard Koku Avle, reinforced lessons learned and sustainability. With a Phase II proposal for 150 additional systems and €30 million in potential Dutch funding (50% loan, 50% DRIVE grant), Ghana can sustain momentum toward WHO End TB goals. This partnership exemplifies how international collaboration drives equitable healthcare.

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