Improving childhood TB case notification through intensified clinical services

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>Childhood TB is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 15, with diagnosis challenged by non-specific symptoms and paucibacillary disease. This study analysed the impact of intensified clinical interventions on childhood TB notification and treatment outcomes in four high-burden regions of Tanzania.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>The study used a retrospective pre–post intervention design, analysing childhood TB data (2018–2023) across four regions (Katavi, Kigoma, Rukwa, and Songwe) to assess the impact of health care worker training and intensified clinical services. Childhood TB data were extracted from the national electronic TB and leprosy system and analysed using χ ² tests at a 0.05 significance level.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>4,178 childhood TB cases were notified across regions. A statistically significant increase was observed post-intervention ( P < 0.001). The proportion of districts that attained the national notification target (≥15%) significantly rose from 18.2% to 81.8%. Treatment outcomes improved significantly across all regions (χ ² = 23.91, P < 0.001), with treatment completion rising from 82.1% to 87.5% and mortality decreasing from 6.0% to 3.4%.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>Implemented interventions in the regions led to significant improvements in childhood TB case management. Their effectiveness was demonstrated by increased use of childhood TB diagnostic methods, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced childhood TB mortality.</sec>