WHO calls for action as childhood TB cases rise 10% in Europe

The WHO European Region, which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, reported more than 7,500 cases in children under 15 years of age in 2023, an increase of more than 650 cases compared to 2022.

“The worrying rise in children with tuberculosis is a reminder that progress against this preventable and curable disease remains fragile,” said Hans Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Illustration: GI

Askar Yedilbayev, WHO’s regional TB adviser for Europe, said in an interview that the overall increase in cases could indicate improved diagnosis. But it could also be the result of increased cross-border movement due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Children under 15 account for 4.3% of all TB cases in the European Union, according to a joint report by the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This represents the third consecutive year of increases in cases in this age group, which Yedilbayev said was a “worrying scenario.”

WHO has previously warned that cuts in funding from global donors would undo progress in controlling TB cases in low- and middle-income countries. These cuts could damage TB programmes in countries.

Yedilbayev said some local workforces have been affected by funding cuts and diagnostic and treatment supplies remain at risk.

Hoang Hai (according to WHO, Reuters, EuroNews)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-keu-goi-hanh-dong-khi-so-ca-nhiem-lao-o-tre-em-tang-10-tai-chau-au-post339922.html