India Sees 21% Decline in TB Cases Since 2015
According to the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2025, India has made significant strides in combating tuberculosis (TB), with the incidence rate dropping by 21%. The report highlights a decrease in TB cases from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024. An impressive increase in treatment coverage from 53% in 2015 to 92% in 2024 is attributed to the government’s determination to identify and treat all individuals affected by the disease.
National Efforts in TB Elimination
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, or the National TB Elimination Programme, is spearheaded by the National Health Mission (NHM). This initiative seeks to identify undiagnosed TB cases, minimize TB-related deaths, and curb new infections through a comprehensive approach. Key strategies include targeting vulnerable populations, employing chest X-rays for screening, and offering upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) to those suspected of having TB.
Innovative Methods and Community Engagement
In addition to rapid treatment initiation for patients, the programme emphasizes differentiated care for high-risk individuals. Various resources and interventions are mobilized, including:
- Strategic action plans tailored for high TB burden states and districts.
- Provision of free medications and diagnostics to those diagnosed with TB.
- Campaigns aimed at actively finding TB cases among vulnerable groups and in communal settings.
- Decentralized services that bring TB screening and treatment closer to communities through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- Engagement with private healthcare sectors, incentivizing notification of cases and treatment results.
- Expansion of molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels for improved detection.
- Intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts to reduce stigma and boost community awareness.
- Collaboration among various ministries to consolidate resources for the cause.
- Offering TB preventive treatment to close contacts and at-risk populations.
- Monitoring reported TB cases via the Ni-kshay portal.
In a session of the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, shared these insights about the ongoing efforts to combat tuberculosis in India. The government’s proactive and multifaceted strategies promise to further reduce TB’s impact in the coming years, fostering a healthier future for all.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
