Child Contact Case Management-A Major Policy-Practice Gap in High-Burden Countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Global Health

Background:

• The 2021 Global Tuberculosis (TB) report highlights slow progress in pediatric TB case detection and TB preventive treatment (TPT) coverage for child contacts.
• Contact case management (CCM) is critical for identifying pediatric TB cases and individuals requiring TPT, especially in low-resource settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on CCM for child contacts in low-resource settings.
• To emphasize the importance of CCM and TPT for addressing pediatric TB.
• To highlight innovative approaches and challenges in CCM implementation.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and data on TB contact case management.
• Focus is placed on child and adolescent contacts in low-resource settings.
• Evidence synthesis on the effectiveness of CCM and TPT interventions.

Main Results:

• CCM is a vital strategy for TB case finding and initiating TPT among contacts.
• Community-based and patient-centered models show promise in overcoming CCM implementation gaps.
• Shorter, child-friendly TPT regimens can improve adherence and acceptability.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing TB CCM and mobilizing resources are essential to close the pediatric TB detection gap.
• National TB programs must integrate and strengthen CCM strategies.
• Continued innovation in care delivery and treatment regimens is needed for effective pediatric TB control.