Delhi's Push for Adult BCG Vaccination to Combat Tuberculosis

The Delhi health department has administered the BCG vaccine to over 50,000 adults as part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) targeting high-risk populations. This initiative, in collaboration with the ICMR and DHR, aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality rates in Delhi by 2025.

The Delhi health department has administered the BCG vaccine to over 50,000 adults as part of its initiative to combat tuberculosis (TB) and reduce associated mortality rates, according to an official statement.

Conducted under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, the Adult BCG Vaccination Study targets high-risk populations in five key districts: New Delhi, North-East, West, East, and South, with six other districts acting as control areas.

The BCG vaccine, traditionally given to newborns, is being tested for its efficacy in reducing TB cases among high-risk adults. Previous studies like the Chingleput BCG trial showed a modest 36% efficacy over 15 years, hinting at the vaccine's potential benefits for adults.

The World Health Organization states that a TB vaccine with 50% efficacy can reduce TB incidence by 12% and mortality by 8.5% by 2030. The Delhi study, part of a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICMR, and Department of Health Research, focuses on adults aged 18 and above from high-risk groups.

About 50,000 eligible adults in Delhi's targeted districts have received the BCG vaccine so far. Participants will be monitored over three years through 14 periodic assessments to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness. This initiative aligns with the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 for TB, aiming to achieve India's Sustainable Development Goals for TB elimination by 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)