INCURE launched a new socially oriented project "PROTECT CHILDREN FROM TUBERCULOSIS"

In the world there is a high incidence of TB among children. Tentatively assumed that each year 500,000 children develop TB, but it is recognized that this data is hypothetical. It is generally believed that among the new TB cases the disease can occure in children for between 6 to 10% (in countries with high TB burden - up to 40%)

Childhood TB, why neglected?

Not considered important in global program or contributing to immediate transmission
Not regarded as public health risk
Difficult to diagnose

Why it is important?

Health problem in children may later contribute to epidemic. In this case there are no special forms for children for treatment and prevention of disease. Lack of pediatric forms of anti-TB drugs is considered to be the main cause of death from TB about 74,000 children a year.

The most risk of TB is in children up to 5 years.

Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is the ONLY proved method to prevent TB in children who were in contact with M.tuberculosis. Use of IPT reduces the incidence of TB among these individuals by 5–9 times.

Despite the strong recommendation of WHO, UNITAID and other public organizations dealing with childhood tuberculosis many countries still do not have implemented National Guidelines for use of soniazid preventive therapy. One of the reason can be the lack of special children forms of anti-TB drugs, the development and introduction of which now belongs to the public health priorities.

One of the most important tasks of INCURE is cooperation with non-governmental and governmental organizations to improve access to IPT in those categories of the population to which it is needed (the creation of National guidelines, training of doctors, nurses, patients and their parents), as well as improving access to special children's forms of anti-TB drugs!

10/02/2015