Key Findings: TB in Europe

• An estimated 225,000 people in the European WHO region are affected by tuberculosis annually, a rate of 24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Nearly 40,000 TB cases where reported in the EU/EEA, with a rate of 8.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Tuberculosis notifications continue to rise across the 29 countries of the EU/EEA.
• Children and adolescents under 15 account for 4.3% of TB cases in Europe. [2], [3]
• Pediatric TB cases have increased for the third consecutive year.
• from 2022 to 2023, pediatric cases rose from 1,341 to 1,689.
• In the EU, treatment adherence is a concern, with 1 in 5 children not completing their anti-tuberculosis treatment.
• The therapeutic success rate in 2023 is lower in the EU/EEA (67.9%) compared to the rest of the European WHO region (77.2%).
• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant challenge, with only 56% of patients successfully completing treatment.

Rising Childhood TB Cases: A Cause for Concern

Europe is grappling with a concerning rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, particularly among children. A joint report by the WHO and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control indicates a 10% increase in TB infections among children in Europe in 2023 [2], [3]. Children under 15 now represent 4.3% of all new and relapsed TB cases in the WHO European Region [2],[3].

The increase in pediatric cases is alarming, with notifications rising from 1,341 in 2022 to 1,689 in 2023. This marks the third consecutive year of increase in this vulnerable age group.

Treatment Challenges and Multidrug-Resistant TB

A significant challenge lies in ensuring treatment adherence, especially among children. In the EU, it is uncertain whether anti-tuberculosis treatment was followed until the end for 1 in 5 children with tuberculosis.

Incomplete treatment can lead to deterioration of health, the emergence of drug-resistant TB, and further transmission of the disease. The therapeutic success rate in 2023 is notably lower in the EU/EEA (67.9%) compared to the rest of the European WHO region (77.2%).

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a major obstacle.According to published data, only 56% of patients have successfully completed its treatment.This highlights persistent difficulties in managing and effectively dealing with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the region.

The Urgent Need for Action

Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the persistence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and other drug-resistant forms underscores the need for more effective strategies and better patient management, especially among the youngest.

The urgent need for more effective treatment strategies and better patient management, including in the youngest.

FAQ: Tuberculosis in Europe

What is the estimated annual impact of tuberculosis in the European WHO region?

Approximately 225,000 people.

What percentage of TB cases in Europe are children under 15?

4.3% [2], [3].

Why is childhood tuberculosis a concern?

It serves as a marker of ongoing transmission and poses a higher risk to young children.

What is the treatment success rate for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Europe?

only 56% of patients successfully complete treatment.