Finally, X-ray imaging within the reach of developing countries

Two thirds of humankind do not have access to radiography, essential to the practice of modern medicine. On March 9th in Lausanne (Switzerland), EPFL and its partners presented GlobalDiagnostiX, a high-tech device ten times cheaper when considering existing pieces of equipment together with their maintenance costs, and specifically designed for developing countries. Famous economist Jeffrey Sachs is enthusiastic about this project! In developing countries, many hospitals have become cemeteries of medical equipment. Several radiology systems, often sent by international aid, may never be used due to the climatic conditions and the instability of electricity networks. In a matter of weeks, they become useless. Besides, the lack of qualified personnel or spare parts rapidly dispels any hope to make them work. Yet, the lack of access to radiology in many developing countries is a serious public health problem, whether for TB screening or the care of road traffic injuries.