India Achieves Remarkable 21% Reduction in Tuberculosis Incidence, Surpassing Global Efforts
India has made significant strides in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), recording a 21% reduction in incidence from 237 cases per 100,000 population in 2015 to 187 per 100,000 in 2024 – nearly double the global decline rate of 12%, as highlighted in the World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2025. This progress positions India as a global leader in TB control and elimination.
A Steep Decline and Improved Mortality Rates
The substantial reduction in TB incidence marks one of the steepest declines globally, placing India ahead of numerous other high-burden countries. Beyond incidence, the country has also achieved a higher reduction in TB mortality compared to the global average, with deaths among individuals not infected with HIV falling from 28 per 100,000 in 2015 to 21 per 100,000 in 2024. This positive trend is attributed to sustained political commitment, the rapid adoption of new technologies, and extensive community engagement aimed at strengthening TB care and prevention systems nationwide.
Expanding Treatment Coverage and Success
Treatment coverage in India has risen dramatically to 92% in 2024, exceeding benchmarks set for universal health coverage and outpacing other nations with high TB burdens. In 2024 alone, 2.618 million TB patients were diagnosed out of an estimated 2.7 million new cases. This represents a significant improvement in identifying those previously “missing” from the program – individuals with TB who were not officially reported, a number that has fallen from 1.5 million in 2015 to less than 100,000 in 2024.
Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (TB-Free India Campaign), India’s treatment success rate has climbed to 90%, surpassing the global average of 88%. Importantly, there has been no significant increase in the number of patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB.
Technological Innovation and Proactive Case Finding
Launched in December 2024, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has embraced innovative tools to accelerate TB elimination. These include hand-held X-ray devices with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled reporting, an expanded network for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) infrastructure, and robust community mobilization efforts focused on vulnerable populations.
These initiatives have enabled the screening of over 190 million individuals and the diagnosis of 2.45 million TB patients, including 861,000 with asymptomatic TB. Identifying these sub-clinical cases, which might otherwise go undetected, is a crucial step in preventing further transmission. India now boasts the world’s largest TB laboratory network, comprising 9,391 rapid molecular testing facilities and 107 culture and drug susceptibility testing laboratories. Furthermore, over 500 AI-enabled hand-held chest X-ray units have been deployed across the country, with an additional 1,500 units slated for distribution to states and union territories.
The decentralization of services through 178,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide has brought TB care closer to communities, improving access to testing and treatment at the grassroots level.
Increased Funding and Nutritional Support
Government funding for India’s TB program has increased tenfold over the past nine years, facilitating the introduction of novel preventive interventions, advanced diagnostic tools, updated treatment regimens, and comprehensive social support provisions.
The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides significant nutritional support to TB patients through a direct benefit transfer (DBT) of ₹1,000 (approximately $12 USD) per month throughout their treatment period. Since its launch in April 2018, over ₹4,406 crore (approximately $530 million USD) has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of 13.7 million beneficiaries. Additionally, 677,541 individuals and organizations have enrolled as Ni-kshay Mitras (TB Friends), collectively distributing over 4.5 million food baskets to TB patients, demonstrating strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
Community Engagement and Youth Participation
India’s TB elimination drive has been significantly strengthened through extensive community participation and youth engagement. Over 200,000 youth volunteers under the My Bharat initiative have joined the fight against TB, serving as Ni-kshay Mitras and providing crucial psychosocial support and encouragement to patients. This widespread participation has transformed the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan into a whole-of-society movement, emphasizing that no patient should feel isolated or unsupported during treatment and recovery.
Tailored Care and Early Intervention
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has implemented a differentiated TB care approach nationwide, ensuring personalized treatment for high-risk patients. Individuals with co-morbidities or clinical indicators that may affect treatment outcomes are identified early and provided with individualized treatment plans. ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers have been trained to identify early warning signs of TB in their communities and promptly refer patients to higher healthcare facilities, strengthening early intervention and reducing the risk of complications.
Looking Ahead: Towards a TB-Mukt Bharat
Moving forward, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan will continue to prioritize proactive screening of vulnerable populations, including those with asymptomatic infections and individuals living in congregate settings, utilizing hand-held X-rays and molecular diagnostics for early detection. The program’s integrated approach – combining high-quality treatment, nutritional support, and psychosocial care – aims to ensure complete recovery and prevent community transmission. Through sustained government investment, technological expansion, and continued public participation, India is steadily progressing toward its goal of achieving a TB-Mukt Bharat, demonstrating that large-scale elimination of tuberculosis is both achievable and underway.
