Karnataka Launches Adult BCG Campaign to Boost TB Prevention

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced an adult BCG vaccination campaign as part of India’s TB prevention strategy. Targeting high-risk groups, this campaign seeks to improve immunity against TB among adults, with a phased rollout across 16 districts, marking World TB Day.

The Karnataka government's recent health initiative marks a pivotal shift in TB prevention strategies. Announced by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, the state has launched an adult Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination campaign, aligning with emerging evidence supporting revaccination benefits for adults, particularly high-risk groups.

Launched at Bengaluru's Sir CV Raman Public Hospital to coincide with World TB Day, the campaign targets vulnerable groups such as the elderly, diabetics, and those previously cured of TB. Minister Rao highlighted the vaccine's role in enhancing adult immunity and stressed its safety and availability free of cost.

Complementing this effort, the state is expanding its diagnostic capabilities with 159 new NAAT machines. Rao calls for increased use of government facilities by private healthcare to mitigate patient expenditures, aiming to make TB care more accessible and affordable.

(With inputs from agencies.)