Hot Topic : India’s Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) GS-2 Mains (Arora IAS)

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Infectious disease affecting lungs, caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Spreads through coughs, sneezes, or spits.
Two forms: latent TB (inactive) and active TB disease.
Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes bloody), chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
Treatable and preventable with antibiotics and the BCG vaccine (moderate protection).

India’s Burden:

Challenges:

Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB): harder to treat, requires expensive drugs and longer treatment.
Diagnosis and Case Detection: limited access to modern tools in some areas.
Poor Healthcare Infrastructure: limited access in rural/remote areas delays diagnosis and treatment.
Stigma and Awareness: stigma discourages seeking healthcare, lack of awareness allows persistence.
Private Sector Engagement: coordination needed for standardized treatment protocols.
Treatment Adherence: completing the prolonged course of antibiotics is challenging.
Vulnerable Populations: migrant workers, slum dwellers, and those in crowded conditions are at higher risk.

Government Initiatives:

- Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) (1997): flagship program for TB control, continuously strengthened.
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) with a National Strategic Plan (2017-25) to eliminate TB by 2025.

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) (2022): community support for TB patients (nutrition, diagnosis, vocational).
Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST): identifying drug-resistant strains early for tailored treatment.
Ni-kshay portal: online portal to track notified TB cases.
New Drugs: Bedaquiline and Delamanid for MDR-TB treatment included in free drug programs.
R&D for Treatment: exploring shorter treatment courses (3-4 months) instead of the current 6-month regimen.
Vaccine Development: trials for Immuvac (leprosy vaccine) and VPM1002 (modified BCG vaccine) for TB prevention.

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