Book traversal links for 4.6. Counselling on nutritional care and support
In view of a strong bidirectional causal link between TB and undernutrition, WHO recommends that all persons with active TB should receive appropriate counselling based on their nutritional status at diagnosis and throughout treatment (21).
Undernutrition can present in children, adolescents or adults, including pregnant women. In case of young children (under the age of 10), their parents need to be part of counselling and support. In case of adolescents (ages 10–19), the healthcare providers should make an effort to develop a therapeutic alliance with the young person as well as his/her parents (section 4.2.1.).