Iraq Halves Tuberculosis Rate Through Advanced Tech, Expanded Mobile Health Services

Iraq has significantly reduced its tuberculosis (TB) rate over the past decade, halving cases from 45 to 23 per 100,000 people between 2013 and 2023, Arab News reported.

This progress is largely due to a tech-driven approach combining advanced diagnostic tools and expanded mobile health services, particularly benefiting displaced populations and vulnerable groups.

The Iraqi National TB Program, supported by IOM, the Global Fund, and WHO, has enhanced TB detection using AI-supported chest X-rays and advanced diagnostic machines, reaching remote and high-risk populations. Mobile medical teams conduct routine screenings, significantly improving detection rates of both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB. Treatment has improved with the introduction of shorter, all-oral regimens, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes. Centralized data systems have strengthened TB reporting and coordination across the health system. These efforts reflect Iraq’s broader health recovery and contribute to national and global TB control goals despite ongoing challenges.