India Records 21% Decline in Tuberculosis Cases Over Last Decade: WHO

India has witnessed a significant decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with a 21% reduction over the last decade. This achievement is nearly double the global average of 12%, marking substantial progress in the country's fight against the disease. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Global TB Report 2025 indicates a notable decrease in the number of TB patients.

The report shows that the prevalence of TB in India has fallen from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. This decline reflects the impact of sustained efforts and strategic interventions implemented across the country. The Health Ministry has attributed this success to an improved case-finding approach, which has enhanced both diagnosis and treatment coverage.

In addition to the reduction in TB cases, mortality rates have also seen a decline. The mortality rate due to tuberculosis has decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh in the past year. Furthermore, the Health Ministry has reported that there has been no significant increase in cases of multidrug-resistant TB, which is a critical factor in managing the disease effectively.

The Indian government is actively implementing several initiatives aimed at eliminating TB from the country. These initiatives include the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana. These comprehensive programs are designed to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of tuberculosis across the nation.