Vietnam Utilizes AI for Early Tuberculosis Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are being used in conjunction with X-ray machines to help doctors identify patients suspected of having tuberculosis based on lesions, which enables them to prescribe more accurate tests for tuberculosis bacteria. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Binh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Central Lung Hospital, shared this information at a Scientific conference on Research and application of high technology in lung disease management and tuberculosis control held on May 24 in Hanoi.

Thanks to AI, the efficiency of detecting tuberculosis has doubled compared to before, according to Associate Professor Hoa. The rate of tuberculosis detection in medical facilities implementing AI is twice as high as in facilities that do not use AI. The number of tuberculosis cases detected in medical facilities has also increased significantly after implementing AI technology.

Vietnam is currently facing a burden of tuberculosis, with over 106,000 cases recorded in 2023, resulting in 11,000 deaths. The number of tuberculosis patients continues to increase annually, with a 2.2% increase in cases recorded in 2023 compared to 2022 and a 34% increase compared to 2021. However, only about 60% of actual cases are recorded, leaving approximately 40% of infected individuals undiagnosed in the community.

Dr. Dinh Van Luong, Director of the Central Lung Hospital, emphasized the goal of ending tuberculosis in Vietnam by 2035. To achieve this goal, the National Tuberculosis Program aims to enhance universal health coverage, strengthen grassroots health systems, expand new diagnostic tools, and early treatment interventions. AI systems will play a key role in the early detection of tuberculosis in district health facilities and remote areas where specialist resources are limited.

When Vietnam widely deploys AI technology for tuberculosis detection, it will contribute significantly to combating tuberculosis and improving public health. The conference also addressed other topics such as lung transplantation, respiratory health, lung cancer, and lung fungus, providing a platform for experts to share knowledge and experiences in treating patients.