Webinar on “Severe or Non-severe? Overcoming Diagnostic Hesitation in Pediatric TB Treatment”

A key highlight of the discussion was the Philippine Department of Health’s adoption of the shortened 4-month treatment regimen (2HRZE/2HR) for children with non-severe drug-susceptible TB, aligned with the World Health Organization 2022 recommendations. This regimen offers a shorter alternative to the traditional 6-month treatment, with the potential to improve adherence and treatment outcomes. However, its appropriate use depends on accurately distinguishing between severe and non-severe TB.

Organized through a collaboration among Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the UP Manila–NIH Institute of Child Health and Human Development (ICHHD), and the Manila Health Department, the webinar emphasized the critical role of clinical and radiologic assessment in guiding treatment decisions.

The session featured expert insights from Dr. Cathy Hewison on the TACTiC program of the MSF and the shortened regimen, followed by implementation experiences in a TB project in Tondo shared by Ms. Danica Galvan from MSF and Dr. Nhel Eric Gonzales from the Manila Health Department. A comprehensive review of imaging findings and severity classification in pediatric TB was delivered by Dr. Ioana Ciobotea, a radiologist working with MSF, highlighting the importance of chest X-ray interpretation in clinical practice. The discussion was further enriched by a reaction from Dr. Jarold Pauig, a practicing radiologist from the Philippine General Hospital, who provided additional perspectives on imaging and practical application. The webinar was hosted by Dr. Ma. Esterlita Uy, director of the ICHHD.

Overall, the webinar underscored the need to equip healthcare providers with both the knowledge and confidence to apply updated guidelines in real-world settings. As World TB Day approaches, the activity reaffirmed the collective commitment to improving pediatric TB care and ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against tuberculosis.