SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA – June 5, 2025 – We’re pleased to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Siaya County! On June 5, 2025, the Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS) proudly handed over two cutting-edge Ultraportable Digital Chest X-ray (dCXR) machines, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic software. This pivotal moment marks a powerful step forward in the county’s determined fight against tuberculosis (TB) and other prevalent lung diseases.
The official handover ceremony was a truly inspiring event, graced by the presence of Siaya Governor James Orengo, alongside dedicated senior health officials, esteemed community leaders, and our valued partners. This gathering underscored our shared commitment to leveraging innovative technology for improved healthcare outcomes in Siaya. Governor James Orengo warmly embraced the integration of AI into the county’s healthcare infrastructure. “I am excited that this equipment applies A.I., with A.I. becoming important in conversations in all sectors,” he stated, highlighting the forward-thinking approach embedded in Siaya’s healthcare strategy.
The Governor also acknowledged the substantial disease burden faced by the county, particularly concerning TB, HIV, and malaria. He expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from partners like CHS and AMREF, remarking, “If one had to enumerate the assistance offered by CHS & AMREF, the record is invaluable. This partnership has enabled us to get equipment and tools for screening and diagnosis.”
Our Commitment to Siaya County
Speaking at the event, our CEO, Dr. Paul Wekesa, reiterated CHS’s deep-rooted commitment to our eight-year partnership with Siaya County’s Department of Health. “The purpose of this visit is to personally hand over new equipment to the Department of Health in Siaya County,” Dr. Wekesa affirmed. He emphasized the critical need for such advanced diagnostic tools in a region grappling with a high TB incidence, underscoring that “This equipment will support screening and diagnosis of TB in Siaya, which has a high TB incidence.” This vital donation was made possible through the generous support of the United States Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Siaya County faces a significant challenge as one of Kenya’s top ten high TB burden counties, reporting between 3,000 to3,500 new cases annually. Its case notification rate of 320 per 100,000 people significantly surpasses the national average of 260 per 100,000. Despite these challenging statistics, the county consistently maintains an impressive TB cure rate exceeding 90% each year, a testament to the dedication of its healthcare professionals and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts.
Proving the Impact: A Look at the Data
The introduction of these AI-powered machines is poised to revolutionize early diagnosis and elevate the overall quality of care. Mary Jurnma Wambura, the County TB and Leprosy Coordinator, shared compelling data from a similar AI-powered dCXR machine previously installed by CHS through USAID funding at Madiany Sub-County Hospital.
Before the machine’s installation in 2022, the hospital diagnosed 57 TB cases. This number dramatically increased to 148 in 2023 and further to 281 in 2024, demonstrating the profound impact of enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, the machine proved instrumental in identifying other lung diseases, with detected cases escalating from zero in 2022 to 26 in 2024. “As the Health Department, we are happy to receive the two machines to improve early TB diagnosis and quality of care,” stated Wambura, expressing the department’s enthusiasm.
Governor Orengo concluded the event with a powerful plea for sustained collaboration. “It is a good day for us & I beseech our partners both CHS & AMREF to not tire with us as we are joined at the hip. Let us continue to work together to expand this partnership even further.” We at CHS are incredibly proud to be “joined at the hip” with Siaya County and look forward to even greater achievements together.
The Siaya County Health Department has pledged its unwavering commitment to diligently utilize these new machines, striving to significantly improve the health and well-being of all community members. This initiative represents a significant stride towards a healthier future for Siaya County, powered by innovation and strategic partnerships!
