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Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children but epidemiological data are scarce, particularly for hard-to-reach populations. We aimed to identify the risk factors for unsuccessful outcome and TB mortality in migrant children at a supportive residential TB programme on the Thailand–Myanmar border. Methods We conducted retrospective analysis of routine programmatic data for children (aged ≤ 15 years old) with TB diagnosed either clinically or bacteriologically between 2013 and 2018. Treatment outcomes were described and risk factors for unsuccessful outcome and death were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results Childhood TB accounted for a high proportion of all TB diagnoses at this TB programme (398/2304; 17.3%). Bacteriological testing was done on a quarter (24.9%) of the cohort and most children were diagnosed on clinical grounds (94.0%). Among those enrolled on treatment (n = 367), 90.5% completed treatment successfully. Unsuccessful treatment outcomes occurred in 42/398 (10.6%) children, comprising 26 (6.5%) lost to follow-up, one (0.3%) treatment failure and 15 (3.8%) deaths. In multivariable analysis, extra-pulmonary TB [adjusted OR (aOR) 3.56 (95% CI 1.12–10.98)], bacteriologically confirmed TB [aOR 6.07 (1.68–21.92)] and unknown HIV status [aOR 42.29 (10.00–178.78)] were independent risk factors for unsuccessful outcome. HIV-positive status [aOR 5.95 (1.67–21.22)] and bacteriological confirmation [aOR 9.31 (1.97–44.03)] were risk factors for death in the secondary analysis. Conclusions Children bear a substantial burden of TB disease within this migrant population. Treatment success rate exceeded the WHO End TB target of 90%, suggesting that similar vulnerable populations could benefit from the enhanced social support offered by this TB programme, but better child-friendly diagnostics are needed to improve the quality of diagnoses.

In this paper, we describe the development of the film, “Under the Mask,” which follows the lives of three fictional characters who live on the Thai-Myanmar border as they journey from diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) to completion of treatment. Under the Mask was filmed on location on the Thai-Myanmar border by local filmmakers and former refugee populations. Cast members were chosen from communities living along the border. This paper describes the script development process, filming, and screening in the community. We also report the findings from the pre- and post-screening questionnaires and post-film focus group discussions. A total of 77 screening events took place between March 2019 and March 2020 to 9,510 audience members in community venues such as village squares, temples and monasteries (N = 21), schools/migrant learning centers (N = 49), and clinics (N = 4). The pre-and post-screen questionnaires showed a significant gain in self-perceived TB knowledge on prevention, transmission, signs and symptoms, and related discrimination. Our findings from 18 post-screening focus group discussions conducted with 188 participants showed that there were improvements in knowledge and awareness of the disease and treatment, as well as in the awareness of stigma, and the burdens of tuberculosis on patients and their families.