A Transformative Step in Tackling Childhood and Adolescent Tuberculosis in Namibia
Childhood and adolescent tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in Namibia, where diagnostic and treatment gaps disproportionately affect this vulnerable population. To address this critical issue, the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTLP), with assistance from its partners, USAID, the Uganda Supra-national Reference Laboratory, and the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) spearheaded a groundbreaking effort to equip healthcare workers with innovative tools and knowledge for managing TB in children and adolescents.
The Pocket Guideline: A First-of-Its-Kind Resource: Central to the initiative was the development of the country’s first-ever Pocket Guideline on Child and Adolescent TB.
To ensure effective implementation, the team developed and rolled out two specialized training curricula:
Looking ahead
The success of this initiative has set the stage for broader reforms in pediatric TB care across the country. The Ministry of Health and Social Services plans to expand training efforts to front-line healthcare workers and laboratory technicians at sub-national levels. By equipping healthcare workers with the right tools and training, the Ministry has taken a vital step toward ending childhood and adolescent TB, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
