Celebrating TB Screening Success in Ethiopia

Written by Katie Robertson - Public Relations Account Executive

On March 28, 2026, MinXray and The Honorable Ervin Massinga, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, co-hosted an event celebrating the country as a leader in advancing TB detection using MinXray ultra-portable X-ray systems. In 2025, Ethiopia procured and deployed 195 ultra-portable digital Impact Wireless systems. This represents one of the largest and most proactive efforts to broaden lung health detection efforts in the world, and it enables frontline health workers in the country to rapidly identify presumptive tuberculosis (TB), prioritize cases and save costs on confirmatory testing that accelerates linkage to care.

Alongside the Ambassador, the Honorable Dr. Dereje Duguma Gemeda, State Minister with the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, spoke and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving down the incidence of TB in the country. Mike Cairnie represented MinXray and celebrated the country as a leading example of the strong commitment and quality of execution demonstrated in the rapid and effective utilization of X-ray systems. Lastly, Kitaw Teklemariam and Endy Fekadu took the floor to share their experiences of being diagnosed with and treated for TB, emphasizing the need to reach people where they are to ensure timely diagnosis and requesting that affected communities be consulted and seen as key partners in driving demand and person-centered uptake of innovative tools.

His Excellency Ambassador Massinga was also among the five speakers at the event, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the fight against TB.

The Honorable Ervin Massinga, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia’s speech:

It is an honor to be here with all of you today at this important side event to Ethiopia’s annual TB Research Conference. I would like to thank MinXray and for organizing this gathering, as well as for their exemplary work in transforming the fight against tuberculosis and lung disease, not just here in Ethiopia, but globally.

Let me start with a simple truth: disease knows no borders. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, claiming over a million lives each year—lives that could be saved with timely diagnosis and treatment. Here in Ethiopia, where over 114,000 people develop TB annually, the challenge is real. But so is the opportunity to make a difference.

And that is exactly what we are doing together.

Today, we are here to celebrate a success story—a story of innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Ethiopia has emerged as a global leader in harnessing cutting-edge technology to tackle TB and improve lung health. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health’s visionary decision to deploy 195 MinXray ultra-portable digital X-ray systems across the country represents one of the largest deployments of its kind in the world. Combined with AI-powered screening tools from Qure.ai, these systems are transforming TB detection and early intervention.

By bringing high-quality diagnostic tools directly to communities—especially in rural and underserved areas—Ethiopia is setting an example for the global fight against TB. Frontline health workers are now identifying cases earlier, prioritizing confirmatory testing, and linking patients to care faster than ever before. This is a testament to what can be achieved when governments, private sector innovators, and communities come together with a shared vision.

And if I could diverge just briefly from my remarks. I have seen this technology in the field. I have seen it in poor communities. I have seen it improve lives. I have seen clinicians talk about this technology because it helps them go faster and be more accurate in what they do. And this is not just an academic exercise; this improves the lives of those who need it the most. And so I am incredibly proud to help inaugurate and celebrate this huge innovation here in Ethiopia.

And this is what the America First Global Health Strategy is all about.

Under this strategy, the United States is committed to advancing global health in ways that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. By focusing on a targeted set of global health priorities—including tuberculosis—this approach ensures that our efforts align with both the needs of partner countries and our shared interests in global health security.

The deployment of MinXray’s ultra-portable X-ray systems is a shining example of how American innovation can make a tangible difference. These systems, designed and manufactured in the United States, are not only saving lives but also demonstrating the value of U.S. technology and expertise to the world. This is what we mean by a win-win partnership—one where American ingenuity supports health solutions abroad while strengthening our own economy and safeguarding our mutual health security.

But as we stand here today, I want to emphasize one thing: this is not just about technology. At its core, this is about people. It’s about the health workers who operate these machines, tirelessly serving their communities. It’s about the mothers, fathers, and children whose lives are saved when we detect and treat TB early. And it’s about the partnerships we build—partnerships grounded in respect and a shared commitment to long-term progress.

Ethiopia’s leadership in this space is remarkable. It is a reminder that meaningful progress happens when we work together, when countries take ownership of their health challenges, and when innovation is put to work for the greater good.

As we look to the future, let us continue to build on this momentum. Let us strengthen our collective effort to combat TB, not only in Ethiopia but around the world. Let us continue to leverage American innovation—like the technologies developed by MinXray and Qure.ai—to improve health outcomes and ensure that no one is left behind. And let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the long haul, because the fight against TB and other infectious diseases is not one that can be won overnight.

Together, we are proving that when we bring the best of our expertise, technology, and commitment to the table, we can save lives, strengthen health systems, and build a healthier, more secure world.

Thank you.