In Gwanda, Zimbabwe, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is implementing the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining Basic Healthcare project (ASGM-BHC). This project provides artisanal miners (ASMs) and host communities (HCs) with quality and accessible curative and preventive healthcare. In June 2025, the project introduced an ultra-portable x-ray system equipped with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) technology. This innovation has made it possible to bring, for the first time, advanced diagnostic services directly to remote mining sites, allowing MSF outreach teams to conduct screening and identify suspected cases of Tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis earlier. This technology has significantly improved access to routine health checks and reducing the need for miners to travel long distances to health facilities for this service, while managing demanding work schedules.
World TB Day is commemorated every year in March. This month, we share how innovative, portable diagnostic tools are helping to close the healthcare gap for hard-to-reach communities in Gwanda. This photo story shows how the ultra-portable X-ray machine is designed for field conditions, allowing MSF teams to deliver diagnostic services in remote settings.