Positive Health News: India’s ongoing fight against Tuberculosis (TB) has taken a promising turn. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report, the country has recorded a 21% decline in TB incidence since 2015, almost double the global average reduction of 12%.
This is a major achievement for India’s healthcare system and a clear sign that consistent awareness, early detection, and treatment coverage are making a difference.
A Steady Decline in New TB Cases
The WHO report estimates that India’s TB incidence dropped from 237 cases per 100,000 people in 2015 to 187 per 100,000 in 2024. Mortality has also gone down sharply — from 28 deaths per 100,000 people in 2015 to 21 in 2024.
Experts say this shows that India’s national TB programs are finally showing results after years of effort.
“Better access to diagnosis and free treatment, coupled with community awareness, is driving this progress,” said a senior health official associated with the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
How India Outpaced the Global Average
While the world saw only a 12% decline in TB incidence over the past decade, India’s reduction of 21% stands out. The country’s integrated approach — combining public health infrastructure with community-based interventions — is being seen as a model for other high-burden nations.
The WHO has recognized India among the few countries that have shown consistent year-on-year improvement in TB control metrics.
Key Factors Behind the Decline
Several initiatives have worked together to bring TB numbers down:
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Stronger Surveillance: The Nikshay portal made it easier to track and monitor every patient in real time.
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Improved Treatment Coverage: Treatment reach has grown from 53% in 2015 to over 92% today.
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Community Awareness: NGOs and health workers have played a crucial role in breaking stigma and encouraging testing.
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Active Case Finding: Door-to-door screening in vulnerable areas has helped detect infections earlier.
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Government Commitment: Increased funding and the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan have accelerated efforts nationwide.
But Challenges Still Remain
Despite the impressive numbers, India still accounts for a large share of global TB cases. The WHO report notes that the country remains among the eight nations responsible for about two-thirds of the world’s TB burden.
Rising drug-resistant TB and coexisting conditions like diabetes and malnutrition continue to pose serious challenges. Social stigma, late diagnosis, and treatment interruptions also remain barriers in rural and low-income regions.
The Road Ahead
India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target. To reach that goal, experts emphasize the need for:
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Stronger focus on nutrition support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana
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Expanded molecular testing facilities
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Continued public awareness campaigns
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Active surveillance in high-risk populations
India’s 21% drop in TB incidence is more than just a number — it’s a sign of progress, persistence, and the power of public health action.
With continued investment and community participation, the dream of a TB-free India is no longer out of reach — it’s within sight.
This article is medically reviewed by Dr Ashish Panwar and based on latest WHO report.
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