Busia: Busia County has received medical equipment worth Sh22 million from Dumisha Afya, aimed at strengthening healthcare service delivery in tuberculosis (TB) screening, cervical cancer management, and health data systems. The equipment, which includes a digital X-ray machine, electronic medical records (EMR) systems, and cervical cancer equipment, was officially handed over at Busia County Referral Hospital.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Governor Arthur Odera announced that the equipment will be distributed to health facilities across all the county’s eight sub-counties to enhance service delivery in key departments. Odera emphasized the significance of the digital X-ray machine, noting its mobility and cost-effectiveness, particularly in remote areas. He explained that the machine does not require consumables, reducing the cost of service delivery and downtime, and can be operated remotely to reach more people for screening, thereby strengthening efforts against TB and other diseases.
Busia County TB Coordinator Mary Asiyong highlighted the persistent gap in TB case detection, despite an annual target of 4,200 detected and treated patients. Asiyong noted that the highest number of TB cases detected and treated in the last six years was 1,395 in 2025, indicating a significant case detection gap. She emphasized that early case detection will be greatly improved with increased access to radiology services, as every sub-county now has at least one X-ray site, aiding in earlier diagnosis of TB.
Dumisha Afya Chief of Party Dr. Evelyne Ashiono stated that the donated equipment is intended to support the prevention and management of TB and other non-communicable diseases. Dr. Ashiono highlighted the AI capabilities of the digital X-ray, which can detect TB at an early stage, facilitating timely treatment. She also addressed the challenge of cervical cancer among women living with HIV, underscoring the importance of early screening and care. Furthermore, Dr. Ashiono noted that the equipment will support the digitization of health facilities through the adoption of EMR systems, enhancing data quality and reporting, and enabling data-driven decision-making to improve healthcare services.
