Ethiopia Drives Progress with Country-Led Action to End TB in Children
Over the last couple of months, Ethiopia has taken forward the journey to ending tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents. A series of activities have been conducted together with the Ministry of Health, KNCV Ethiopia, KNCV TB Plus and other local entities in Ethiopia.
Overview of activities
Workshop in Ethiopia
On the 5 of September 2025, a workshop was hosted by KNCV Ethiopia, and KNCV TB plus in partnership with the TB, Leprosy and other Lung Disease (TBLLD) Program of Ethiopia. The workshop was organized under the SMT-funded project titled “Ensure no child suffers from TB through EARLY detection, RIGHT diagnosis, and RIGHT treatment.”
Before the start of the workshop, the TBLLD Program of Ethiopia, together with KNCV Ethiopia and Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) conducted a comprehensive self-assessment, including facility assessment using the WHO recommended benchmarking and planning (B&P) tool for TB in children and adolescents developed by KNCV.
Key stakeholders and partners working in TB care and child welfare were invited to participate in the workshop. The KNCV Ethiopia and TBLLD presented the results of the comprehensive self-assessment. The participants discussed in groups the findings presented to them and reached common consensus on benchmarks and standards. Following, they started to develop a strategic roadmap to help meet national targets.
KNCV's Benchmarking and Planning Tool for TB in children and adolescents
This tool evaluates current efforts to improve TB service delivery, early detection, and timely treatment of TB in children and adolescents, and establish effective interest-holder coordination.
Focus Group Discussion in Ethiopia
On the 10 of October, a focus group discussion was held in Ethiopia hosted by KNCV Ethiopia. Representatives from the TBLLD and key stakeholders were invited to provide anonymously their opinion on the usefulness and feasibility of implementing the B&P tool in country and feedback on the usefulness and feasibility of implementing the data collected with the B&P tool.
Webinar
On the 15 of October, a webinar was hosted by KNCV TB plus in which KNCV Ethiopia presented their findings using the B&P tool to strengthen early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment services, while also integrating social welfare support for families to improve the quality of life for children and adolescents affected by TB in Ethiopia. Besides the country experience from Ethiopia, the Gambia and Tanzania also presented the key findings from their assessments and presented prioritized actions to address, based on the gaps identified.
The webinar provided insights into identification of critical gaps in policy implementation, service coverage, and access to care, with key learnings to prioritize gaps and design action plans tailored to your co