As part of the Sustainable Development Goal agenda, the world has committed to ending preventable child deaths by 2030. Yet every day, nearly 700 children die from tuberculosis (TB), 80% of those before reaching their fifth birthday. Treatment exists that could prevent nearly all of these deaths, but less than 5% of the children who need it receive access.
This UNICEF brochure presents key facts and figures about childhood TB as well as an agenda to end the disease in children worldwide.
Key findings from the brochure:
Child deaths from TB ultimately result from four key gaps.
- The prevention gap: the failure to prevent TB disease through preventive therapy for at-risk children.
- The detection gap: the failure to diagnose TB disease in children.
The treatment gap: the failure to ensure timely access to effective treatment.
The research and investment gap: the failure to prioritize research and investment focused on the needs of children.