PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) represents a significant global public health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and diagnostic difficulty due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease in children and the challenges associated with sample collection. The present study consisted of a narrative literature review aimed at synthesizing contemporary scientific evidence regarding public health strategies and pharmacological management in the treatment of childhood TB. The findings indicate advances in diagnosis through the use of molecular methods, such as the detection of circulating DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CRISPR-TB), offering minimally invasive alternatives for paucibacillary cases. In pharmacological management, the SHINE clinical trial validated the shortened four-month treatment regimen for non-severe cases, facilitating treatment adherence. However, therapeutic success depends on the integration of social protection strategies (cash transfer programs and patient navigation), which have proven effective in reducing catastrophic costs and improving adherence. It is concluded that care should be comprehensive and humanized, combining improved clinical interventions with social and multidisciplinary support for families in order to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the disease and ensure continuity of treatment and child development.