Health Dept looking at using AI to accelerate screening and diagnosis of TB, silicosis

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health is looking at using artificial intelligence (AI) as a means to accelerate the screening and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis.

On Saturday, the department will host a conference of TB experts and stakeholders to discuss how AI can be used.

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The experts will also try and find a way to address the current testing backlogs, especially amongst people who contracted occupational health diseases in mines.

The department said the current testing methods being used have been integral in diagnosing sickness, but they have some limitations.

"This follows the recommendation by the World Health Organization for member states to use computer-aided detection software in order to interpret chest X-rays when screening and triaging for tuberculosis," said spokesperson Foster Mohale.