Survey to identify individuals at high-risk of contracting TB to begin next month

Here’s why there is a push for adult BCG vaccination programme to tackle TB: Maharashtra has a total of 2.27 lakh notified TB cases

Those eligible for the vaccine would include a person above 18 years who has had a history of TB in the last five years, elderly citizens (above 60 years), those who have had close contact with TB patients, current or past smokers and persons with diabetes.

The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine has for decades been administered in the country at birth or within the first year of life. With recent evidence showing that the BCG vaccine among adults can further boost their immunity and protect them from tuberculosis, an ambitious programme is underway to identify certain high-risk groups among adults above 18 years.

Dr Sunita Golhait, joint director (TB and leprosy) Maharashtra, told The Indian Express that the state health department will soon initiate a survey in April to identify the high-risk groups across 40 districts. This is an ambitious exercise by the Central TB division, Government of India, to eliminate TB by 2025 and in Maharashtra alone, there are over 1.12 crore anticipated beneficiaries.

According to Dr Sandeep Sangale, deputy director (TB and leprosy), Maharashtra, research has shown that certain groups are at a higher risk of contracting TB. Hence, those eligible to take the vaccine would include any person above 18 years who has had a history of TB in the last five years, elderly citizens aged above 60, those who have had close contact with TB patients, current or past smokers and persons with diabetes.

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Maharashtra has total 2.27 lakh notified TB cases. Besides the 40 districts in the state, the adult BCG vaccination programme will be carried out across 22 other states and Union territories in the country. Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune (rural), Mumbai, Thane, Sangli, Nashik, Kolhapur, Malegaon, Nagpur. Dhule, Hingoli, and Latur are among the 40 districts where the surbey will be carried out.

“Currently, health workers are being trained for the survey that will commence in April,” Dr Sangale told The Indian Express. Micro planning is underway for the vaccination round that is expected to commence in May, health officials added.

This World TB Day — observed on March 24 every year — the theme is `Yes! We can end TB’ to convey the message that getting back on track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high level leadership, increased investments and faster uptake of new WHO recommendations.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More

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