Towards achieving the goal of tuberculosis (TB) elimination by 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a comprehensive adult BCG vaccination campaign in Mumbai. This initiative, aimed at high-risk populations, is a pivotal effort in addressing the growing challenge of TB in the city. The vaccination drive began with a pilot project in Mumbai on Monday, during which 1,990 citizens were vaccinated on the first day. The campaign, designed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), is set to target six specific high-risk groups, all of whom are above the age of 18.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani highlighted the significance of preventive health measures, urging the public to take advantage of the voluntary vaccination program. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce TB incidence and ultimately eliminate the disease in Mumbai. The high-risk groups identified for the vaccination include individuals who were diagnosed with TB in the last five years, household contacts of TB patients in the last three years, those with self-declared diabetes, smokers, undernourished individuals, and people over the age of 60. This targeted approach is designed to protect those most vulnerable to contracting TB. In addition to the BCG vaccination, the BMC is introducing two novel preventive strategies. A voluntary vaccination program will be rolled out with written consent from eligible beneficiaries, following an extensive survey by health volunteers conducted from September 2024. This proactive approach will allow for a thorough identification of individuals at higher risk.
Another key component of the initiative is the Cyt-TB test, a skin-layer test that helps detect asymptomatic individuals who may be at risk of developing TB. The test focuses on identifying family members of TB patients who might not show immediate symptoms but are still at high risk. If the Cyt-TB test is positive, individuals will be prescribed TB preventive medicines. In 2023, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region saw over 50,000 cases of TB, with many undergoing treatment. This highlights the urgency of comprehensive and sustained TB prevention strategies in the region. The Cyt-TB test, which requires follow-up within 48 to 72 hours, offers an affordable and efficient method of identifying potential TB infections.
Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner, urged Mumbai residents to visit their nearest health center and cooperate with TB staff to ensure the success of the program. The initiative represents a proactive and community-driven approach to tuberculosis management and prevention, underscoring Mumbai’s commitment to public health and the Government of India’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025. By combining vaccination, innovative testing, and community involvement, the BMC’s TB prevention campaign aims to make significant strides toward reducing tuberculosis in the city and beyond, contributing to the broader goal of a TB-free India.
