Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Namibia: A Retrospective Review of National Registry Data From 2013 to 2023.

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and rifampin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis (TB) is challenging the national response to tuberculosis in Namibia. The recent introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) and the use of new and repurposed drugs have the potential to improve both management and outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective review of Namibian national registry data from 2013 to 2023 of children 0-14 years with MDR/RR-TB. National census data were used to estimate annual case notification rates (aCNRs).

RESULTS

Totally 205 episodes were available for analysis. The median age was 4 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1-10]. Ninety (43.9%) were female and 20 (9.8%) were living with HIV. The aCNR increased by two-thirds from 1.2 in 2013 to 2.0 per 100,000 population in 2023. One region, Ojotzondjupa, notified 58 (28.3%) of all cases with a median aCNR of 7.1 per 100,000 population while the national median aCNR was 1.8 per 100,000 population. Ninety individuals (58.1%) received a treatment regimen containing injectables, whereas 65 (41.9.6%) received an all-oral treatment regimen containing two or more World Health Organization class A drugs and/or delamanid. Outcome was unfavorable in 46 (24.1%) individuals, and 18 (9.4%) died. No decrease in the proportion of children with unfavorable outcomes was observed over the study period.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiology and outcome of children with MDR/RR-TB in Namibia are in keeping with the limited international data available; however, the geographical distribution of children with MDR/RR-TB poses a major challenge to the national TB response.