AI reads the X-ray, the miner gets treated — TB screening goes digital

In Ethiopia, gold miners breathing silica dust face some of the world's highest TB risk — and the fewest radiologists. Now WHO-backed AI reads their chest X-rays in seconds, scoring TB likelihood and pushing patients toward treatment far earlier. "It overcomes historical barriers around skilled personnel, access, cost," said WHO scientist Dr. Vanessa Veronese. Earlier diagnosis means fewer infectious people in the community — a genuine step toward ending TB.