title: Defining the diagnostic divide: an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diagnostic radiology is recognised as a key component of modern healthcare. However there is marked inequality in global access to imaging. Rural populations of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need. Carefully coordinated healthcare planning is required to meet the ever increasing global demand for imaging and to ensure equitable access to services. However, meaningful planning requires robust data. Currently, there are no comprehensive published data on radiological equipment resources in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to conduct the first detailed analysis of registered diagnostic radiology equipment resources in a low-income African country and compare findings with recently published South African data.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in Tanzania in September 2014, in collaboration with the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), which maintains a comprehensive database of the country's registered diagnostic imaging equipment. All TAEC equipment data were quantified as units per million people by imaging modality, geographical zone and healthcare sector.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are 5.7 general radiography units per million people in the public sector with a relatively homogeneous geographical distribution. When compared with the South African public sector, Tanzanian resources are 3-, 21- and 6-times lower in general radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The homogeneous Tanzanian distribution of basic public-sector radiological services reflects central government's commitment to equitable distribution of essential resources. However, the 5.7 general radiography units per million people is lower than the 20 units per million people recommended by the World Health Organization.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Patrick Sitati
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Ngoya
authors.affiliation: Directorate of Radiation Control, Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, Arusha, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Wilbroad Edward
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Muhogora
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Richard Denys
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Pitcher
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D003906:Developing Countries; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D017150:Public Sector; D011871:Radiology / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013636:Tanzania
keywords: Tanzania; diagnostic radiology; imaging equipment resources; low-income country