PHNOM PENH, March 13, 2026 – Cambodia is expanding the use of artificial-intelligence assisted chest X-ray screening to improve tuberculosis detection after a national survey found that a significant share of infections occur without typical symptoms, health authorities and international partners said.
The strategy follows findings from Cambodia’s third national tuberculosis prevalence survey conducted in 2023–2024, which showed that many cases would not be identified through traditional symptom-based screening alone. The survey also highlighted a large detection gap among men, with only about one in three men estimated to have tuberculosis reported to the national programme.
Health officials say the results are prompting wider deployment of portable digital chest X-ray systems equipped with AI-supported image analysis to detect early or subclinical infections during community screening campaigns.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Health reaffirmed its cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) on tuberculosis control during a March 12 meeting between Health Minister Chheang Ra and WHO Representative to Cambodia Mariana Trias, according to a ministry readout.
The two sides discussed preparations for World Tuberculosis Day activities and broader collaboration to strengthen detection and treatment efforts in the country.
WHO data show Cambodia has made substantial progress against tuberculosis over the past two decades. The country is the first to complete three national TB prevalence surveys this century, providing detailed measurements of changes in disease burden over time.
The most recent survey found that roughly two-thirds of prevalent tuberculosis cases occurred among men and that a large proportion of infections were asymptomatic or lacked persistent cough, one of the symptoms traditionally used to trigger testing.
Public health experts say those findings support the use of radiology-based screening and digital diagnostic tools to identify cases earlier and reduce transmission.
Cambodia’s tuberculosis programme is implemented by the National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT) with support from international partners including WHO and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The government provides free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment through public health facilities, while international funding supports detection programmes, community screening and laboratory capacity.
Officials say the new screening approach will form part of the country’s next phase of tuberculosis control planning and is expected to inform upcoming funding proposals to international health partners.
The March meeting also highlighted Cambodia’s participation in international health initiatives and cooperation with global partners as the country prepares to host the 2026 Francophonie Summit.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, but global health agencies say expanded screening and improved diagnostics are helping countries detect infections earlier and reduce mortality.
