India Reduces TB Mortality by 38% Since 2015

INDIA REDUCES TUBERCULOSIS MORTALITY BY 38% SINCE 2015

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

  • According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, India has achieved a 38% reduction in TB mortality since 2015, exceeding the global average decline of 35%.
  • The report also highlights a 94% treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB patients and significant progress under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

INDIA REDUCES TUBERCULOSIS MORTALITY BY 38% SINCE 2015

INDIA’S PROGRESS AND GLOBAL TB BURDEN:

  • Mortality Reduction: India recorded a 38% decline in TB-related deaths since 2015, compared with the global reduction of 35%, indicating progress in disease prevention and treatment.
  • Treatment Success: India achieved a 94% treatment success rate among patients suffering from drug-susceptible tuberculosis.
  • Global Distribution: In 2025, the South-East Asia Region accounted for the largest share of new TB cases (35%), followed by the Western Pacific (27%) and African Region (25%).
  • High-Burden Countries: Nearly 88% of new TB cases occurred in 30 countries. India accounted for approximately one-fourth of global cases, followed by Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%) and China (6.5%).
  • Global Mortality: Approximately 13 million people died from TB in 2025, demonstrating that tuberculosis remains a major global public health challenge.

CHALLENGES AND INDIA’S TB ELIMINATION EFFORTS

  • Drug Resistance: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) continues to pose a serious public health and health security threat because it is more difficult and expensive to treat.
  • Economic Burden: Around 50% of TB-affected individuals and their households globally face catastrophic costs, exceeding 20% of total household income due to medical expenses, non-medical costs and income losses.
  • Vulnerable Groups: People living with HIV, undernutrition or diabetes, along with tobacco users, face a higher risk of developing active TB.
  • TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Between December 7, 2024 and November 8, 2026, the campaign brought more than 25 crore individuals within the scope of TB screening.
  • Public Health Priority: Early diagnosis, affordable treatment, nutritional support and awareness are essential to reduce transmission and prevent treatment interruptions.

ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN INDIA:

●      Causative Agent: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, although other organs can also be affected.

●      Transmission: TB spreads through the air when an infected person releases infectious particles by coughing, sneezing or speaking.

●      Drug-Resistant TB: MDR-TB is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, two important first-line anti-TB medicines.

●      Government Programme: The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) works towards preventing, detecting and treating TB across India.

●      Global Commitment: The WHO End TB Strategy aims to eliminate the global TB epidemic, with targets including major reductions in TB deaths and incidence.