Integrated approach to lung health screening through mobile X-ray technology: experience from Odeska Oblast, Ukraine

<bold>Introduction</bold>: The COVID-19 pandemic and war have limited access to health services in Ukraine. In Odeska Oblast, a 44% decrease in the tuberculosis (TB) detection rate from 2019 to 2022 indicated the need for new approaches to detect active TB cases and address broader respiratory health challenges in primary care setting. <bold>Aim</bold>: To implement an integrated approach to lung health screening, focusing on detecting TB with mobile fluorography (X-ray). <bold>Methods:</bold> With support from USAID's "Support TB Control Efforts in Ukraine" project, community leaders, primary care providers, and TB specialists developed a mobile X-ray screening model for active TB detection in key at-risk populations in remote communities. <bold>Results:</bold> Between November 2022 and July 2023, the mobile X-ray team screened 2,857 persons in 36 remote communities identifying a total of 414 abnormalities. Specifically, 215 (51.9%) persons were identified with pulmonary non-TB abnormalities, including 103 (24.9%) emphysema, 41 (9.9%) post-TB changes, 33 (8.0%) bronchitis, 24 (5.8%) pleural effusion, 9 (2.2%) bronchiectasis, and 5 (1.2%) with postoperative state. Additionally, 37 (8.9%) persons were confirmed with TB and 162 (39.2%) with other abnormalities. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The mobile X-ray screening model improved TB diagnostics access and detected other pulmonary non-TB conditions, serving as a tool promoting lung health. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1482/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>