WHO notes growing tuberculosis incidence among children in the European Region


03/26/2025

In 2023, the occurrence of tuberculosis in children younger than 15 years in the European Region rose by 10% relative to the year before. This information is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The European Region of the WHO encompasses 53 nations in Europe and Central Asia.



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In 2023, the WHO European Region reported over 7,500 cases in children under 15 years old-an increase of 650 compared to 2022. Children below the age of 15 represented 4.3% of the overall count of first-time TB cases and relapses. In general, the organization described the rise in childhood TB cases as “concerning.” According to WHO, the trend has persisted for the third consecutive year.

"The concerning increase in TB cases among children highlights that advancements in combating this preventable and treatable disease are still precarious," said Hans Kluge, director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, in remarks to Reuters.

The WHO stated that enhanced actions to improve the detection and treatment of tuberculosis are necessary to fight the disease. "By promoting collaboration among nations, sharing data openly, and collectively tackling issues and shortcomings, we can achieve the elimination of TB," Kluge added.

source: reuters.com