The World Health Organization (WHO) has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in children, but the implementation of its algorithms is still lacking in many countries. The new WHO guidelines recommend the use of treatment decision algorithms for TB diagnosis in children, which could double the number of children treated for the disease. However, despite being recommended by the WHO, many countries have not yet adopted these algorithms into their national guidelines nor facilitated their implementation in healthcare facilities. This is a critical issue, as it could lead to a significant increase in the number of children receiving treatment for TB. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that the lack of political will is the main obstacle to implementing these algorithms, while others believe that the challenge lies in the complexity of the algorithms themselves. The TACTiC research study conducted by MSF found that the WHO's treatment decision algorithms work in real-world settings and can potentially save many more children's lives if implemented. However, with recent global aid funding cuts that threaten to widen gaps in identifying and treating people with TB, MSF is calling on countries and their stakeholders to step up and ensure sustained funding for TB care for all, especially young children as they already face the largest gaps in accessing treatment. Policymakers, donors, and implementers must also anticipate and plan for an increase in the supply of medicines needed to treat children to ensure that all children who are diagnosed with TB can access treatment without any delay. The question remains: will the political will be there to make this happen?
