Tuberculosis Cases Drop By 21% In India Double The Global Decline: WHO Report

Tuberculosis cases in India have decreased by 21%, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024. This significant drop is nearly double the global decline of 12%, according to the World Health Organisation's Global TB Report 2025. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an official statement regarding this positive development. The reduction represents one of the steepest drops in TB incidence ever recorded, surpassing decreases in comparable high-burden countries.

India's innovative case finding approach, driven by the rapid uptake of newer technologies, decentralization of services, and large-scale community mobilization, has led to a surge in the country's treatment coverage. Treatment coverage has risen to over 92% in 2024, compared to 53% in 2015, with 26.18 lakh TB patients diagnosed in 2024. This increase in treatment has significantly impacted the number of "missing cases," or individuals with tuberculosis who were not previously identified.

The efforts have helped reduce the number of missing cases from an anticipated 15 lakhs in 2015 to less than one lakh by 2024. Furthermore, there has been no notable growth in the number of MDR TB patients in the country. The treatment success rate under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has also increased to 90%, surpassing the global treatment success rate of 88%.

India's TB mortality rate has fallen from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh population in 2024, indicating considerable success in lowering TB-related deaths. This achievement reflects the strong commitment of the government, as indicated by a historic near-tenfold increase in government spending on the TB program during the last 2009.

Early Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB)

One of the earliest signs of tuberculosis may be a cough lasting longer than three weeks. It may begin dry but may end up resulting in mucus or blood. Another common symptom is low-grade fever, particularly in the evenings or at night. Other early indicators include unusual fatigue and a loss of appetite.

Being aroused in wet clothes may also reflect TB infection, even in a room that is not hot. A significant loss of weight without dietary or physical changes is another frequent early symptom. Some individuals may complain of mild chest aches, particularly during coughing and deep breathing.

If symptoms persist with an increase in prolonged cough and fever, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis can help avoid complications and prevent transmission to others. Timely medical attention is crucial for effective treatment and management of tuberculosis.