New digital X-ray technology will screen migrants against tuberculosis, the Health Ministry said yesterday.

The system, to be introduced on Monday, forms part of the National Strategy against Tuberculosis and was set up through a €700,000 European Refugee Fund grant.

Radiology is an established method in the diagnosis of TB, as it provides a clear indication of the state of the chest.

The new X-ray technology and three isolation units will be set up at the Lyster Barracks detention centre. The units will shelter infected migrants and stop spreading of the disease.

Speaking at a medical conference last March, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia expressed his commitment to limiting the island’s exposure to the infectious disease.

“If we work together we can eradicate tuberculosis from Malta within our lifetime,” Dr Farrugia had said.

The World Health Organisation estimates that over €1.2 billion is needed to help fight the disease which currently infects a third of the world population.

Malta is currently considered a low-risk country while Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest incidence with over 350 cases per 100,000 people.

Over the past decade approximately 12 people per 100,000 have contracted the disease locally, most of whom were foreigners.

The disease is transmitted through the inhalation of infected airborne nuclei spread by people with pulmonary or laryngeal TB through coughing or sneezing.

The disease is treatable and in many cases curable. Active TB is treated with six-month courses of anti-microbial drugs.