The challenge
Detecting tuberculosis (TB) cases in West and Central Africa is a persistent challenge, especially in children. It is estimated that 70% of TB cases in children under five aren’t detected nor treated.
The solution
In Senegal, to address these missed cases, the National TB Control Programme is studying a new active case finding strategy, where TB screening is integrated into malnutrition screening campaigns. This integrated approach was piloted during a recent nutrition campaign in the districts of Thiès and Tivaouane. Feasibility, cost and acceptability of this approach by the community will be evaluated. If successful, the approach will be scaled up across other regions in Senegal.
This research is supported by TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, cosponsored by UNICEF, UNDP, the World Bank and WHO.
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The pilot study was conducted during a one-week malnutrition screening campaign in Thiès and Tivaouane districts that gathered up more than 70 000 children under five years old.
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Parents were also asked to bring their children ages 5 to 14 for TB screening. Community engagement was essential to ensure broad participation.
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It is important that we try innovative strategies that can help us find these missing cases,” said Professor Nafissatou Oumar Toure, President of the TB Research Taskforce of Senegal.
Watch the video interview with English subtitles or French subtitles.
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The National TB Control Programme is conducting the research in collaboration with district health authorities, Plan International, ChildFund, and the National Malnutrition Control Programme. The effectiveness, feasibility, cost and acceptability of this approach by the community will be evaluated.
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Children were weighed to screen for malnutrition.
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Their nutritional status was estimated, and vitamin A was given.
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Clinical TB screening was performed for all children, as well as checking for recent close contact with TB cases. Suspected cases were referred to the nearest health centre for bacteriological tests and chest X-ray.
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If this study results in positive findings, the integration of TB screening into malnutrition screening campaigns and potentially other health campaigns (such as vaccinations) will be scaled up across other regions in Senegal “to capture the
maximum number of children with TB,” said Professor Toure.
For more information, contact:
Makiko Kitamura
TDR Communications Officer
email: kitamuram@who.int