The drug for TB particularly designed for treatment of children has reached Kenya. The drug is reported to be fruit-flavored in order to be appealing for children.
This is the first time that drugs designed for adults has been redesigned to fit for children’s use as revealed by TB Alliance.
Tuberculosis is one of the world’s most infectious diseases and 1 million children per annum becoming sick with the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2014, over 140,000 children died of TB.
Kenya becomes the first state to roll out the drug nationwide. More and more countries are expected to take cue over the next 3 years. Medical experts have confidence that the new medicine will work with efficiency because it has been improved and it is sweet testing.
You are advised to make sure that your house is well ventilated and avoid living in crowded houses. These are the conditions under which TB is transmitted.
The free roll-out of the drug will start from 1st October, 2016. Many children suffering from TB are expected to benefit from this exercise. Dr Cherise of TB Alliance reported that over 20 other countries are ready to start the distribution process.
The production of the drug was spear-headed by TB Alliance – a Non-governmental organization working in healthcare sector. Africa has the highest preference for TB. WHO reports that TB related deaths have reduced by 50% between 1990 and 2015.
The following are the symptoms of TB:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Persistent cough in most cases for more than three weeks
- Sweeting at night for several weeks or months and
- High temperature
One thought on “Tuberculosis drug for Children Introduced in Kenya”
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Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after
I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to
say superb blog!