To date, a critical issue in combating tuberculosis (TB) in children has been the limited availability of child-friendly preventive treatments. Recognizing this, the Unitaid funded project IMPAACT4TB has been instrumental in introducing shorter, more manageable treatment options. On February 6, an orientation workshop and training of trainers (ToT) was conducted in Ethiopia on the Paediatric Demonstration Study (PDS).
About the PDS
The PDS is part of the IMPAACT4TB evidence-generative approach on a child-friendly formulation of rifapentine. This is a dispersible raspberry mint-flavored formulation that simplifies the treatment process for children and caregivers designed for a three-month, once-weekly regimen (3HP). Traditional TB preventive treatment often involve lengthy regimens, with many large and bitter pills, that can be challenging for children to complete, therefore this child-friendly formulation has the potential to enhance adherence, making it more suitable, sustainable and person-centered.
PDS Orientation Workshop and Training of Trainers (ToT) in Ethiopia
Following the authorization of local authorities for the implementation of this project in Ethiopia, a PDS Orientation Workshop and Training of Trainers (ToT) took place on February 6, 2025, at Kilole Hotel, Bishoftu. This session was conducted by KNCV’s branch office in Ethiopia in collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Administration – Bureau of Health (AACA-BoH).
The workshop not only provided a PDS overview, but comprised training on the new 3HP medication. Participants of the session were successfully oriented on the PDS and the innovative child-friendly formulation.
The session was attended by 30 professionals relevant to the study objective:
- 15 TB care providers,
- 7 sub-city TB program officers,
- 6 TB/HIV program managers of the AACA-BoH, and
- 2 finance program officers from Addis Ababa City Administration – Bureau of Finance (AACA-BoF).
We extend our sincere gratitude to Fiseha Mulatu, PDS Project Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ahmed Bedru, KNCV representative in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health – Ethiopia, AACA-BOH and AACA-BoF for their invaluable contributions and support to the development of this workshop/training and execution of this project.
The IMPAACT4TB Consortium
The IMPAACT4TB Consortium is funded by Unitaid and led by the Aurum Institute. The consortium is comprised of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Johns Hopkins University, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and the Treatment Action Group (TAG).
The IMPAACT4TB Consortium’s efforts to scale up access to these shorter, more palatable regimens represent a vital step toward ending TB in children and adolescents.
Together we can end TB!