Cases of childhood tuberculosis that rises in Europe, Central Asia: WHO warns | Health

Children under the age of 15 represented 4.3 percent of new and relapsed cases of tuberculosis In the European region WHO in 2023, 10 % more than in the last 12 months, a report said on Monday.

Over 172,000 people, in general, have had new and relapsed cases of the disease in the 53 countries, including several in Central Asia, which constitute the region of the World Health Organization.

The number was similar to the levels of 2022, but in the economic area of ​​the European/European Union (EU/EEA), almost 37,000 people were diagnosed – 2,000 more than the previous year, who said Europe and the European Center for the Prevention and Control of Diseases (ECDC).

Children under the age of 15 also represented 4.3 percent of all cases of tuberculosis in the EU/EEA, “which means an increase for the third consecutive year,” health organisms said in a statement. Read and | Tuberculosis and nutrition: The way diet plays a role in treatment and recovery

Finding of the report:

The results of the report show that the spread of tuberculosis is “still in progress” in the region, the health agencies noting that “immediate public health measures are needed to control and reduce the increasing burden of tuberculosis.”

“The conclusion of tuberculosis is not a dream. It is a choice. Unfortunately, the current burden of tuberculosis and the worrying growth of children with tuberculosis serve as a reminder that progress against this preventable and healing disease remains fragile,” said regional director Hans Kluge in a statement.

Kluge added that “even before the recent reduction in international development aid, the world is facing a deficit of $ 11 billion in the global tuberculosis response.”

The director of ECDC, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, stressed that “it is essential for Europe to renew its attention and a timely and effective treatment.”

Health organisms have also noticed that multi-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remained “a significant challenge” in the region.

“With the increase of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the cost of today’s inaction will be paid by us all tomorrow,” Rendi-Wagner said.

Whoever Europe and ECDC have stressed the need to expand tuberculosis detection and treatment.

In particular, they have highlighted the need to extend access to “shorter, completely oral treatment regimes, who have shown promises in improving results for patients with drug resistant”. Read and | Combating the hidden epidemic of childhood tuberculosis

“Additional critical measures to reduce TB and TB drug reduction include TB testing and ensuring that preventive TB treatments are available to everyone at risk,” health organisms said.

Note for readers: This article is only for informational purposes and is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always look for your doctor’s advice with questions about a medical condition.