MRI on a Budget: Leveraging Low- and Ultra-Low-Intensity Technology in Africa

Access to MRI remains severely limited across Africa due to the high cost, complex infrastructure, and technical expertise required to operate standard high-intensity MRI systems. This disparity contributes to diagnostic delays and poor health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of noncommunicable diseases and trauma is rapidly increasing. Low- and ultra-low-intensity MRI systems, operating below 0.3T, present a promising, cost-effective alternative for improving diagnostic access in resource-limited settings. This article explores the potential of these systems to bridge health care gaps by examining their benefits, such as portability, lower power consumption, and reduced maintenance requirements.