Unmasking childhood tuberculosis in Pakistan: efforts to improve detection and management

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2015 Dec:19 Suppl 1:47-49. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.15.0443.

Abstract

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is getting increasing global attention, as tuberculous infection and TB disease in children indicate ongoing transmission in the community. In this note from the field, we highlight issues in child TB detection, management and prevention; child TB underdiagnosis, under-reporting and lack of integration with the National TB Programme are the main challenges faced in rural settings in Pakistan. We provide examples of solutions to overcome some of these challenges and enable early TB diagnosis, effective management and disease prevention in children.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Disease Management*
  • Health Policy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • National Health Programs / organization & administration*
  • Pakistan / epidemiology
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*