Busia County has received medical equipment worth Sh22 million from Dumisha Afya, in a move 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.
Speaking during the handover, Deputy Governor Arthur Odera said the equipment will be distributed to health facilities across all the county’s eight sub-counties to enhance service delivery in key departments.
“The equipment will be distributed to different facilities across all our eight sub-counties, including radiology, laboratory and other departments across the service spectrum,” Odera said.
He noted that the digital X-ray machine marks a major milestone in TB screening due to its mobility and cost-effectiveness, especially in remote areas.
“The digital X-ray machine does not require consumables, which reduces the cost of service delivery and downtime. It can also be operated remotely, enabling us to reach more people for screening and strengthening our fight against TB and other diseases,” he said.
Busia County TB Coordinator Mary Asiyong said that the County continues to face a significant gap in TB case detection, despite an annual target of 4,200 detected and treated patients.
“The highest number of TB cases detected and treated in the last six years was 1,395 in 2025. This shows a huge case detection gap, meaning many undiagnosed patients continue to spread the disease in the community,” Asiyong’ said.
She added that TB-related mortality remains high, with six out of every 100 TB patients dying annually due to delays in diagnosis.
“The equipment will greatly improve early case detection by increasing access to radiology services. Every sub-county now has at least an X-ray site, which will help us diagnose TB much earlier,” she said.
Dumisha Afya Chief of Party Dr. Evelyne Ashiono said the donated equipment is intended to support the prevention and management of TB and other non-communicable diseases.
“We have provided a digital X-ray machine, EMR equipment and cervical cancer screening equipment, together with suppliers. This will go a long way in supporting patient care, prevention and management of TB and cervical cancer, as well as strengthening health systems,” Dr. Ashiono said.
She noted that TB remains a major challenge among people living with HIV, adding that early detection is key to effective disease management.
“The digital X-ray is AI-enabled and can detect TB at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment. Cervical cancer is also a major challenge among women living with HIV, and we want to ensure women are screened early so that those identified can receive proper care,” she said.
Dr. Ashiono added that the equipment will support digitization of health facilities through the adoption of EMR systems, improving data quality and reporting.
“This will enable data-driven decision-making and improve the quality of healthcare services provided to patients,” she said.
By Salome Alwanda & Rodgers Omondi
