With the aim of strengthening health services and facilitating the early detection of tuberculosis (TB) in the Peruvian population, a protocol ceremony was held on February 4 at the Ministry of Health (MINSA) to deliver modern equipment with artificial intelligence (AI) radiology and molecular biology for TB, which will be used in primary health care facilities.
The acquisition of this equipment responds to the general objective set by the Directorate of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control (DPCTB-MINSA) of reducing exposure to tuberculosis to a value equal to or less than 95 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants by 2026. This acquisition has been possible within the framework of the TB-HIV Country Project 2022 - 2025, financed by the Global Fund, coordinated by Minsa and the National Multisectoral Health Coordinator (CONAMUSA), and executed by Socios En Salud.
“The work that the implementing entity [of the HIV TB Country Project], which is Socios En Salud with MINSA, has been carrying out is a joint technical-scientific effort based on evidence, which allows us to ensure that each step we take is going to be a step that represents results in the fight against tuberculosis,” assured Dr. Eric Peña Sánchez, Vice Minister of Health.
En el acto protocolar participaron la Dra. Valentina Alarcón, directora ejecutiva de la Dirección de Prevención y Control de Tuberculosis del MINSA; el Dr. Eric Peña, viceministro de Salud Pública; representantes de las FF.AA.; y el Dr. Leonid Lecca, director general de Socios En Salud.
Foto de Julio López / SES
What impact do the new equipment have on the fight against TB?
The supplies purchased include 28 X-ray machines with artificial intelligence (AI) for the detection of abnormal chest x-rays; 33 TRUELAB molecular biology machines for the rapid and reliable confirmation of TB cases; in addition, 60 glycosylated hemoglobin analyzers, 60 electrocardiographs, and 3 spirometers for patient monitoring and sequelae diagnosis.
In this regard, Dr. Leonid Lecca, CEO of Socios En Salud, highlighted that this acquisition will contribute, in the first place, to continue actively searching for tuberculosis cases using portable X-rays and artificial intelligence.
”The second important step has to do with improving follow-up and treatment. Now we have already switched to shortened oral treatments of shorter duration for people with MDR-TB, and equipment is being purchased to do pharmacovigilance, to look at adverse events and drug safety,” he said.
In that sense, this equipment translates into more technology that reaches the first level of care so that the population can benefit from better care services.
La adquisición de estos equipos modernos para la detección y diagnóstico de TB permitirá una búsqueda activa de casos más rápida y eficiente en distintas zonas de Lima y provincias.
Foto de Julio López / SES
In which health facilities will these kits be distributed?
The kits will be destined to health facilities in areas with high incidence of TB, strategically selected according to their level of complexity to ensure efficient and accessible care to the population.
Thus, in East Lima, they will reach the districts of Ate, Chaclacayo, Lurigancho-Chosica and Santa Anita; in Central Lima, La Victoria, Cercado de Lima and San Juan de Lurigancho; in North Lima, Carabayllo, Comas, Los Olivos and Rimac; and in South Lima, Lurin, San Juan de Miraflores, Villa Maria del Triunfo and Chorrillos.
In addition, in Callao, the districts of Callao and Ventanilla will benefit, while in other regions of the country, the distribution will include Huaral in Lima and Yurimaguas in Loreto. Health facilities of the Armed Forces (FF.AA.), the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) will also receive this equipment, ensuring that coverage is comprehensive and reaches key sectors of the health system.
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