Urgent Action Needed as Child TB Infections Surge in Europe: WHO

The World Health Organization reports a 10% rise in child tuberculosis infections in the European region, calling for immediate public health measures. Over 7,500 cases were noted among children under 15 in 2023, highlighting the continued transmission of the disease across Europe and Central Asia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm over a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) infections among children in the European region. A report from the organization revealed a 10% spike in cases in 2023, underscoring an ongoing transmission issue. The WHO is calling for immediate measures to curb the disease's spread.

In 2023, more than 7,500 cases of TB were identified among children under 15, which indicates an increase of over 650 cases compared to the previous year. This troubling rise has prompted WHO to stress the urgency of implementing effective public health strategies to halt the contagion.

Covering 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia, the European region remains a critical focus area for case management. The WHO has reiterated its commitment to working with local health authorities to implement these newly recommended interventions.

(With inputs from agencies.)