WHO Commends Groundbreaking ICMR-Funded Study Highlighting Nutrition’s Vital Role in Tuberculosis Control
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised and lauded the findings of a groundbreaking study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underscoring nutrition's essential role in tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised and lauded the findings of a groundbreaking study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underscoring nutrition’s essential role in tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care. The research, conducted in Jharkhand as part of the RATIONS trial, is now an integral part of WHO’s updated global guidance for TB control, marking a significant milestone in India’s contribution to global health policy.
The study enrolled 2,800 patients with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB and their household contacts across 28 TB units in four districts. It is the first randomized trial investigating how nutritional support impacts TB incidence among household contacts. Patients received standard food rations (1,200kcal, 52g protein daily) for six months, while household contacts in the intervention group also received monthly food rations and micronutrients (750kcal, 23g protein daily).
Key Findings:
The nutritional intervention resulted in a substantial 39-48% reduction in TB incidence among household contacts over two years of follow-up.
Early weight gain within the first two months correlated with a 60% lower risk of TB mortality, highlighting nutrition’s pivotal role in treatment outcomes.
The intervention is especially impactful in communities facing a dual burden of TB and undernutrition, both common in India.
WHO has applauded this Indian-led research and its policy implications, with Dr. [Insert WHO Representative Name], stating, “The RATIONS trial provides global policymakers strong evidence to prioritize nutritional support in TB control strategies worldwide. Integrating nutrition into TB programs can be a game-changer in our efforts to curb the disease and save lives.”
The ICMR reiterated its commitment to advancing evidence-based interventions. Director-General of ICMR, said, “This milestone reaffirms India’s leadership in public health research and our dedication to strengthen TB elimination strategies through targeted nutrition support where the need is greatest.”
