Tiny Lungs, Big Challenge: The Treatment Landscape of Pediatric Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis was a lethal disease until the early 1950s, when the first anti-TB drugs were discovered. These drugs saved many lives until bacteria developed resistance in the 1980s. As a result, TB has re-emerged as a global health challenge, affecting both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant cases. Although tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease, it remains a major global health burden for both adults and children. High-prevalence cases in children threaten eradication efforts because they can become fatal in the future. The review is aimed at compiling knowledge on pediatric TB treatment, particularly oral formulations. Efforts have been made over the years to improve pediatric TB treatment. Challenges remain in gathering pharmacokinetic data for children, distributing child-friendly formulations worldwide, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. These issues affect clinical outcomes and hinder the eradication of this infection. Currently, there is a global initiative to improve access to high-quality TB medications and to utilize new technology, such as developing nanoformulations and dispersible tablets, for better drug delivery. Continued progress, innovation, and fostering partnerships are necessary to overcome existing challenges in TB treatment and to develop child-friendly formulations.