Surge in childhood tuberculosis cases in Europe sparks public health concerns

Russia and Ukraine bear the highest TB burden in the region, and population displacement may be exacerbating the spread of the infection. (Image: Canva)

The number of tuberculosis (TB) infections among children in Europe and Central Asia surged by 10 percent in 2023, highlighting the persistent spread of the disease and the urgent need for stronger public health interventions, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday.

According to WHO data, more than 7,500 TB cases were recorded in children under 15 across the region last year—an increase of over 650 cases compared to 2022. This worrying trend underscores the fragile nature of global progress against TB, a disease that remains both preventable and curable.

“The increase in childhood TB cases is a stark reminder that our fight against this disease is far from over,” said Hans Henri Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe.

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WHO calls for action

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, ranking among the top 10 causes of death globally. (Image: Canva)

Experts point to multiple factors contributing to the rise in cases. Askar Yedilbayev, WHO’s regional TB advisor, noted that improved detection could be playing a role. However, he also highlighted the impact of geopolitical factors, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has led to increased migration and the potential for higher transmission rates. Russia and Ukraine bear the highest TB burden in the region, and population displacement may be exacerbating the spread of the infection.

A joint report from WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealed that children under 15 accounted for 4.3 percent of all TB cases in the European Union. This marks the third consecutive year of rising infections in this age group—an alarming pattern that Yedilbayev described as a “worrisome scenario.”

Beyond the rise in cases, WHO has previously warned that global funding cuts threaten to reverse progress in TB control efforts. Reductions in financial support for TB programs in lower-income countries outside the EU could lead to an increase in drug-resistant TB strains, making the disease even harder to combat.

Yedilbayev further cautioned that funding shortages have already weakened local TB response efforts, jeopardising both diagnostic capabilities and treatment access.

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, ranking among the top 10 causes of death globally. It is caused by a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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With childhood cases on the rise, public health officials stress the need for sustained investment in TB prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment programs to curb transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.