NEWS: Despite the availability of the BCG vaccine for over a century, Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseasesà India accounts for about 27% of global TB cases and faces one of the highest TB burdens worldwide.

About Tuberculosis (TB)

• Caused byà Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Transmission: Airborne disease spread through droplets released during coughing, sneezing, or speaking.

Types:

• Latent TB: Infection without symptoms; not contagious.
• Active TB: Symptomatic and contagious.
• Pulmonary TB: Active TB affecting the lungs.

Common Symptoms

• Persistent cough (>3 weeks), coughing blood or mucus, chest pain, fever and night sweats, weight loss and fatigue

India Needs a Layered Approach

• TB incidence remains around 200–300 cases per 100,000 population.
• Elimination requires reducing it to 10–20 cases per 100,000 population.
• Key pillars: Early Detection, Preventive Therapy, Vaccination, Nutrition Support

PreVenTB Trial

• Conducted by ICMR across 18 sites with over 12,700 participants.
• Evaluated two indigenous vaccines:

Significance

• First major evidence showing effectiveness against Extra-Pulmonary TB (EPTB).
• Supports India's goal of TB elimination.
• Demonstrates the potential of indigenous vaccine innovation.

Public Health & Ethical Dimensions

• Delaying action while waiting for a perfect vaccine may lead to preventable deaths.
• Nutrition is critical, as vaccine effectiveness may be lower among undernourished individuals.
• Indigenous solutions support Atmanirbhar Bharat and affordable public health interventions.

Way Forward

• Target vaccination of school-age children and household contacts.
• Integrate vaccination with nutrition and preventive therapy programs.
• Strengthen diagnostics and case-based management.
• Adopt a layered strategy combining early detection, preventive treatment, vaccination, and nutritional support.