Tuberculosis Cases Drop By 21% In India, Outpaces Global Decline: WHO Report

India has made significant progress in combating tuberculosis (TB), achieving a 21% decline in TB incidence from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. This reduction is nearly double the global rate of decline, which stands at 12%, according to the World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2025.

This substantial decrease marks one of the most significant reductions worldwide, demonstrating India's consistent investment in technology-driven case detection, expanded access to treatment, and robust community involvement. India's achievements surpass global trends in several crucial areas, highlighting the effectiveness of the country's focused efforts.

India diagnosed 26.18 lakh TB patients in 2024, against an estimated 27 lakh total cases. The number of "missing" TB cases, referring to those undiagnosed or unreported, has decreased dramatically from about 15 lakhs in 2015 to less than one lakh in 2024. Furthermore, there has been no notable increase in cases of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB.

TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Launched in December 2024, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has broadened the scope of early detection and community outreach programs. Screening initiatives have reached over 19 crore vulnerable individuals, leading to the diagnosis of 24.5 lakh TB patients, including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic cases.

India's coverage of Rifampicin drug-susceptibility testing stands at 92%, exceeding the global average of 83%. The country now manages the world's largest TB laboratory network, comprising 9,391 rapid molecular testing facilities and 107 culture and drug-susceptibility laboratories.

Over 500 AI-enabled handheld X-ray units are already in operation across the nation, with plans to deliver an additional 1,500 units to states and union territories. TB care has been decentralized through 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment closer to the communities.

Government Initiatives and Funding

Government funding for the TB program has seen a nearly tenfold increase over the past nine years, enabling the implementation of new diagnostic tools, treatment regimens, and social support interventions. These measures are crucial for sustaining progress and reaching elimination goals.

Under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, the monthly nutritional support for TB patients has been doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month. Since 2018, this scheme has disbursed Rs 4,406 crore to 1.37 crore beneficiaries through direct benefit transfers, ensuring that patients receive the necessary nutritional support.

Public participation has also grown, with 6.7 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras (individuals and organisations) distributing over 45 lakh food baskets to TB patients. More than 2 lakh My Bharat volunteers are involved in outreach and patient support activities, enhancing community awareness and adherence to treatment.

The Health Ministry has adopted a differentiated TB care strategy, identifying high-risk patients, including those with co-morbidities, to provide tailored treatment plans. ASHA workers have been trained to identify early warning signs and promptly refer patients to advanced care facilities.

Sustaining Momentum Towards TB Elimination

The government has stated that the next phase of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan will prioritize proactive screening of all vulnerable and high-risk populations, AI-assisted diagnostics, and comprehensive patient support, including medical, nutritional, and psychosocial care. These multi-faceted efforts are critical for sustained progress.

These comprehensive efforts, supported by record funding and broad participation, aim to maintain India's rapid decline in TB incidence and mortality rates. Ultimately, this aims to bring the country closer to achieving the goal of a TB-Mukt Bharat.