Bangkok, 21 March 2024 — FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd., a leading provider of healthcare solutions, is intensifying its efforts to contribute to global initiatives aimed at ending Tuberculosis (TB) in alignment with World TB Day. World TB Day is an annual event observed on March 24th, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the concerning rise of TB cases worldwide. Fujifilm pledges to enhance its provision of cutting-edge screening solutions to healthcare professionals, facilitating early detection—a critical aspect of TB treatment. Under its new group purpose of "Giving our world more smiles," Fujifilm remains committed to innovation for a healthier world, reducing preventable casualties, and ultimately bringing smiles to more individuals.
World TB Day 2024 rallies under the theme 'Yes! We can end TB!', conveying determination to combat the epidemic and focusing on translating commitments into action, with WHO advocating for chest X-ray screening alongside sputum tests. Additionally, WHO recommends AI technology for analyzing chest X-rays in regions with limited expertise, bolstering diagnostic capabilities.
In 2022, WHO reported that tuberculosis (TB) affected 10.6 million people globally, resulting in 1.3 million deaths. Thailand, categorized as a high TB burden country, reports 155 cases per 100,000 individuals according to the country’s Division of Tuberculosis, Department of Disease Control. Annually, it is estimated that over 111,000 new TB cases arise in Thailand alone. Alarmingly, the TB mortality rate in the country remains high, averaging over 40 deaths per day or approximately 12,000 to 14,000 deaths each year. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address TB within Thailand, including enhanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to reduce the disease's impact on public health.
Mr. So Maruo, Managing Director of FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd., says, “Fujifilm is dedicated to improving healthcare quality and accessibility. Tuberculosis (TB), one of the world's major infectious diseases, affects over 10 million people annually. Recognizing the importance of early detection for successful treatment, Fujifilm collaborates with public health agencies in Thailand and globally to introduce innovative portable X-ray units. Our main goal is to contribute to end TB by empowering medical professionals and healthcare systems, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to end TB by 2030.”
Fujifilm's FDR Xair system meets the recommended specifications for chest radiography for TB, which were jointly announced by the WHO and IAEA in August 2021. The FDR Xair is a compact, mobile X-ray system that is light, portable, and battery-powered, enabling healthcare providers to extend TB screening to even the most remote communities in distant areas.
In Thailand, efforts are particularly focused on reaching remote communities and vulnerable groups. Through partnerships with the Division of Tuberculosis, Fujifilm has supported screening initiatives, including at the Nonthaphum Home for the Protection and Development of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, the company has collaborated with the Raks Thai Foundation, conducting recent screenings in remote areas of Om Koi, Chiang Mai. Fujifilm also works alongside the MFU Wellness Center to support mobile medical units in reaching remote communities in Chiang Rai province. Leveraging the FDR Xair, a portable X-ray unit capable of on-site imaging, Fujifilm facilitates X-rays for elderly and bedridden patients in these communities.
Fujifilm remains committed to supplying healthcare solutions that address the needs of frontline medical professionals. This commitment is demonstrated through ongoing collaborations with local health agencies aimed at extending the reach of TB screening in affected countries like India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Nepal.
“On World TB Day 2024, Fujifilm pledges to accelerate the fight against TB, with a specific emphasis on early screening using our state-of-the-art technologies. Aligned with our new group purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles,’ Fujifilm remains committed to addressing health inequality challenges. Our reach will persistently expand, aiming to foster a healthier society and promote happiness for all,” concludes Mr. So Maruo.