A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has sounded the alarm on a disturbing trend: a 10% increase in childhood tuberculosis (TB) cases in Europe. This surge in TB cases among children under 15 is a stark reminder of the need for immediate public health measures to control and reduce the growing TB burden.
The report, which analyzed data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region, including several in central Asia, reveals:
- – Increase in Childhood TB Cases*: Children under 15 accounted for 4.3% of new and relapsed TB cases in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year.
- – TB Cases in the European Region*: Over 172,000 people were reported to have new and relapsed TB cases in 2023, similar to 2022 levels.
- – EU/EEA TB Cases*: Nearly 37,000 people were diagnosed with TB in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), a 2,000 increase from the previous year.
- – Multidrug-Resistant TB*: The report highlights the ongoing challenge of multidrug-resistant TB, with treatment success rates falling below expectations.
The rise in childhood TB cases can be attributed to several factors, including:
- – Poor Vaccination Coverage: Inadequate vaccination coverage, particularly in vulnerable populations, has contributed to the spread of TB.
– Increased Mobility and Migration: The movement of people from high-TB-prevalence countries to low-prevalence countries has facilitated the spread of the disease.
– Social Determinants: Social determinants, such as poverty, poor housing conditions, and lack of access to healthcare, have exacerbated the TB burden.
The consequences of inaction will be severe, with TB potentially becoming a major public health threat. The economic burden of TB is already significant, with estimates suggesting that TB costs the EU/EEA region over €6 billion annually.
The WHO and ECDC emphasize the need for immediate public health measures to control and reduce the growing TB burden. They stress the importance of:
– Renewing Focus on Prevention: Strengthening TB prevention and control measures, including vaccination and screening programs.
– Timely and Effective Treatment: Ensuring that all TB patients receive timely and effective treatment, including access to shorter, fully oral treatment regimens.
– Addressing Social Determinants: Addressing the social determinants of TB, including poverty, poor housing conditions, and lack of access to healthcare.
The alarming rise in childhood TB cases in Europe is a wake-up call for public health authorities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Immediate action is needed to control and reduce the growing TB burden. By renewing focus on prevention, ensuring timely and effective treatment, and addressing social determinants, we can prevent TB from becoming a major public health threat.
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