Due to the challenges of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in children, especially in collecting initial sputum samples, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has developed a new method for detecting TB in children using urine and stool samples.
This was highlighted today, October 18, 2024, at the 25th Annual Conference of the Pediatricians Association of Tanzania held in Mbeya, where various child health issues, including treatment challenges and service delivery improvements for children, were discussed.
Speaking to the press at the conference, NIMR’s Principal Reseracher, Dr. Elizabeth Shayo, who represented the Institute’s Director-General, stated that NIMR conducts research to create scientific evidence used to improve health service policies and guidelines in the country.
“As you saw today, NIMR presented several topics on pediatric diseases, especially TB, and the challenges faced in early diagnosis to ensure that children receive complete treatment,” said Dr. Shayo.
Additionally, Dr. Onduru Gervas Onduru, Research Coordinator from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program at the Ministry of Health, noted that they have several strategies to reduce childhood TB, including establishing TB screening units in every health facility.
NIMR Mbeya’s Acting Manager, Dr. Bariki Mtafya, mentioned that TB diagnosis in children poses challenges, as many tests are ineffective due to the low bacterial load. Dr. Mtafya explained that NIMR Mbeya has been conducting various studies using urine and stool samples, which have shown promising results that helped the World Health Organization (WHO) develop guidelines to improve TB diagnosis in children using these samples.
“This method has also been adopted here in Tanzania. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, which has now started implementing these research findings by using urine and stool samples, enabling us to detect TB in children early,” said Dr. Mtafya.
Meanwhile, Dr. Issa Sabi, the Chairperson of the Conference Organizing Committee and a Senior Researcher at NIMR, emphasized the need to reduce neonatal mortality by focusing efforts on children from birth up to one month of age, as this group faces significant challenges.
At the conference, NIMR showcased its research work, modern diagnostic tools for detecting TB in children, such as the GeneXpert machine, and devices for collecting sputum and other samples from children. The three-day conference, which began on October 17, 2024, and is expected to conclude on October 19, 2024, has the theme “Foundation of Health, Improving Health Outcomes for the Child.” It brought together members of the Pediatricians Association of Tanzania and other stakeholders involved in providing care for children, including treatment and upbringing.