Childhood turberculosis: reflections from the front line

Tuberculosis is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in high-burden settings, particularly in the third-world settings. Effective intervention in these resource-limited areas requires a clear focus on high-risk groups. Children rarely contribute to disease transmission, but their disease is the direct result of continued transmission within the community. The burden of childhood tuberculosis reflects the level of epidemiological control achieved within the adult population. Adequate diagnosis and treatment should be available for every child, but reducing the burden of childhood disease requires a concerted effort to contain the epidemic.