The new tool in the fight against tuberculosis: artificial intelligence will help identify the disease
The World Health Organization is expanding its quality assessment program to include artificial intelligence software that analyzes chest X-rays for suspected tuberculosis. The software helps identify suspicious findings and refer patients for additional tests, but does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. The move aims to improve patient screening in areas with high disease prevalence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced yesterday (Saturday, September 26, 2026) that it will expand its prequalification program to include artificial intelligence software that analyzes digital chest X-rays for tuberculosis screening. The software is intended to help identify suspicious findings on X-rays and refer patients for follow-up tests, but does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. The move is designed to help countries select tools that meet quality, safety, and performance requirements, and to improve the rate of patient screening, especially in areas with high disease prevalence. Alongside screening software, the program expansion also includes condoms and intrauterine devices. WHO emphasized that including a product category in the program does not constitute a blanket approval that every software on the market has already been tested or approved.