India has delivered 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines and related materials to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, highlighting India’s role in global health cooperation and vaccine diplomacy.
What is BCG Vaccine?
The BCG vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine primarily used to protect against Tuberculosis (TB). It is the only licensed vaccine for TB and one of the most widely administered vaccines globally, especially given to newborns and infants in high TB-burden countries.
- Administration: Intradermal injection (usually upper left arm)
- Target Group: Infants and young children in high TB prevalence regions
- Additional Use: Used as immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment
- BCG Scar: Formation of a blister/ulcer leading to a permanent scar (normal response)
Development
- Developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin
- Institution: Pasteur Institute
- First administered in 1921 after 13 years of research
Aim and Objectives
- To prevent severe forms of childhood TB such as: TB meningitis and Disseminated (miliary) TB
- To reduce the global burden of tuberculosis, especially in endemic regions
- To provide cross-protection against other mycobacterial diseases like: Leprosy and Buruli ulcer
Composition of Vaccine
- Active Component:Live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis
- Excipients: Stabilizers such as glycerol, citric acid, and salts (sodium, potassium, magnesium)
- Form: Usually supplied as a freeze-dried (lyophilized) vaccine, requiring reconstitution before use
Mechanism of Action
- Introduces weakened bacteria to the body
- Stimulates the immune system to produce: T-cells and Antibodies
- Enables rapid immune response upon exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Effectiveness
- Provides 70–80% protection against severe childhood TB
- Limited and variable protection against adult pulmonary TB
Significance
- Forms the foundation of TB prevention programmes globally
- Helps reduce childhood mortality due to TB meningitis
- Plays a key role in public health strategies in countries like India
- Strengthens vaccine diplomacy and global health partnerships
About Tuberculosis (TB)
Nature of Disease
- Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Primarily affects the lungs
- Curable and preventable disease
Transmission
- Spread through the air when an infected person: Coughs, Sneezes and Spits
Even inhaling a small number of bacteria can cause infection
Symptoms
- Persistent cough (more than 3 weeks), sometimes with blood
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Night sweats and fever
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
Role of BCG in TB Control
- Provides moderate protection, especially in children
- Prevents severe complications rather than complete infection
- Remains a critical tool in TB control strategies