Supporting healthcare workers to diagnose and treat TB in children and adolescents
Each year an estimated 1.1 million children and adolescents under 15 years old contract TB, of whom an estimated 200,000 die despite the preventable and curable nature of TB.
Less than half of the estimated number of children and young adolescents who contract TB are actually diagnosed and notified each year, particularly among children under 5 years old.
TB Assist implements WHO's 2022 integrated treatment decision algorithms (TDAs) to help healthcare providers, particularly in primary settings, make informed decisions about TB treatment in children.
For children under 10 years with symptoms suggestive of TB, the app uses integrated TDAs based on microbiological, clinical and radiological evidence to guide treatment initiation decisions.
For diagnosed TB patients aged 3 months to 16 years, determines eligibility for the WHO-recommended 4-month treatment regimen based on disease severity.
Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. The app adapts to varying resource settings - with or without chest X-ray access, with or without bacteriological testing capabilities.
Developed with support from TDR (Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases) at the World Health Organization.
Designed for flexible deployment across varied healthcare settings
The app adapts pathways based on available resources - whether facilities have chest X-ray capabilities, bacteriological testing, or operate with clinical diagnosis only.