IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING TB IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Diagnosing TB in children can be challenging due to many factors, including the nonspecific nature of TB symptoms that are similar to other childhood illnesses and difficulties in collecting specimens for diagnostic testing. Infants and young children (especially those under two years) are at higher risk of developing TB meningitis and disseminated disease, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Adolescents usually present with infectious TB disease, as typically seen in adults. However, adolescents also form a particularly vulnerable group who face psycho-social challenges, requiring careful consideration of their growing autonomy, treatment support and assistance with transitioning from paediatric to adult health service provision. We need to manage TB in children and adolescents recognising the unique characteristics and needs of these groups, as well as those of their parents, caregivers and families.