Why in News? 

Within a week of the government launching its 100-day intensified campaign, 16,267 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were detected. The campaign aimed to actively screen vulnerable populations through camps at health and wellness centres, as well as 850 mobile testing vans. 

About TB 

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, part of the Mycobacteriaceae family. Some Mycobacteria cause diseases like TB and Leprosy in humans, while others affect animals. TB primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also impact other organs (extra-pulmonary TB). It is an ancient disease, documented in Egypt as early as 3000 BC, but is treatable and curable. 

• Transmission: TB spreads through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit, releasing TB germs. 
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of active lung TB include cough with sputum and occasional blood, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. 

Global Impact 

In 2019, 87% of new TB cases occurred in 30 high-burden countries. India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa accounted for two-thirds of new TB cases. In 2020, India reported 1.8 million TB cases, a decrease from 2.4 million in 2019. Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) are significant challenges. 

BCG Vaccine 
The BCG vaccine, developed in 1921, is used to prevent TB and other mycobacterial diseases. In India, it was introduced in 1948 and became part of the National TB Control Programme in 1962. While BCG is highly effective in some countries, its efficacy is lower in countries with higher TB burdens, such as India. 

Related Initiatives 

• Global Efforts: The WHO’s “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” initiative, along with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership, aims to combat TB globally. 
• India’s Efforts: The National Strategic Plan (2017-2025), Nikshay Ecosystem, Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign are key initiatives in India. Two new vaccines, VPM 1002 and MIP, are under Phase-3 clinical trials.