Call for expressions of interest: Generation of data to externally validate treatment decision algorithms for tuberculosis in children

WHO’s Global TB Programme, together with the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) aim to facilitate the generation of evidence through external validation and associated studies to inform a future review of the generic recommendation in the 2022 WHO consolidated guidelines on the management of TB in children and adolescents.

The type of studies to generate the evidence include the following:

1.     External validation studies on the diagnostic accuracy of the two integrated treatment decision algorithms, including for specific subpopulations and in various settings. These validation studies would ideally also include:

a.     qualitative or quantitative sub studies including on feasibility, acceptability and equity,

b.     economic sub-studies to determine resource requirements and cost-effectiveness.

Potential adaptations of the algorithms might also be considered depending on the epidemiological settings (such as settings with differing burdens of TB, different health care settings, including settings with limited access to CXR) and subpopulations.

2.     Modelling studies to determine the potential impact of the newly developed treatment decision algorithms on case detection and treatment initiation.