Delhi Vaccinates Over 50,000 Adults in BCG Study to Combat Tuberculosis

Delhi Administers BCG Vaccination to Over 50,000 Adults to Combat Tuberculosis

The Delhi government has made significant progress in its ongoing campaign against tuberculosis (TB) by administering the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine to more than 50,000 adults. This initiative, part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), is aimed at reducing TB incidence and mortality in high-risk populations.

Targeted High-Risk Populations

The vaccination drive targets high-risk adults across five key districts: New Delhi, North-East, West, East, and South. Six other districts serve as control areas to assess the effectiveness of the vaccination. This group includes adults who have had close contact with TB patients in the last three years, individuals treated for TB within the last five years, adults aged 60 and above, smokers, diabetics, and those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18 kg/m².

The Role of the BCG Vaccine

Traditionally administered to newborns, the BCG vaccine has shown some efficacy in preventing tuberculosis. A previous trial, known as the Chingleput BCG trial, showed a 36% efficacy over a 15-year period. Though modest, this success has led to the exploration of BCG's benefits for adults, especially those in vulnerable groups.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also supported the use of TB vaccines, suggesting that a vaccine with just 50% efficacy could lead to a 12% reduction in TB incidence and 8.5% reduction in mortality by 2030.

Monitoring and Outcomes

The Delhi vaccination trial will track the health outcomes of vaccinated individuals over the next three years, with periodic assessments to monitor the vaccine’s effectiveness. The trial is in line with India’s National Strategic Plan for TB 2017-2025, which aims to eliminate the disease by 2025 in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The Fight Against Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death globally, with India bearing the highest burden of TB cases worldwide. The BCG vaccination initiative is a preventive measure in the ongoing efforts to combat this disease, with the hope of significantly reducing TB rates in Delhi and across India.

The success of this initiative may pave the way for similar efforts in other high-burden areas, bringing the country closer to its goal of TB elimination.