Desk Guide for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents in Nigeria
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of illness and death in Nigerian children and adolescents. The HIV epidemic has further increased the burden of the disease. Childhood and adolescent TB is under- diagnosed and under-reported in Nigeria. Any child with presumed or confirmed TB should be tested for HIV infection. All malnourished and HIV positive children and adolescents should be screened routinely for TB. Most children and adolescents with TB tolerate TB medicines and respond well to treatment. All children and adolescents diagnosed with TB should be reported and commenced on treatment. All eligible child and adolescent contacts of TB cases should be placed on TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).