The Trend in TB Incidence

India’s Steady Decline in Tuberculosis Burden: Between 2015 and 2024, India achieved a 21% reduction in the incidence of Tuberculosis (TB). The rate fell from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 cases per lakh in 2024. Early detection, expanded treatment and improved surveillance systems have been key drivers of this decline.

Static GK fact: India accounts for roughly one-third of the global TB burden, making national progress especially significant on the world stage.

Reduction in TB Mortality

In the same period, TB-related deaths in India decreased by about 25%, from 28 deaths per lakh in 2015 to 21 deaths per lakh in 2024. This decline outpaces the global average incidence reduction (~12%) over the same decade, signalling stronger national momentum.

Gains in Treatment and Detection

Treatment coverage climbed from 53% in 2015 to an impressive 92% in 2024. This expansion means more diagnosed patients access timely care. Meanwhile, India’s treatment-success rate reached near 90%, slightly above the global average of 88%. Another major breakthrough: the estimated “missing” TB cases (undiagnosed or unreported) fell from about 15 lakh in 2015 to under 1 lakh by 2024.

Static GK fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared TB a global emergency in 1993.

Programme and Policy Enablers

The national campaign TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (launched 2024) emphasises early diagnosis, universal access to treatment, community outreach and modern diagnostics. These strategic interventions — alongside strengthened public-private engagement — have underpinned the recent gains.

Investment in new rapid diagnostics, decentralised care in hard-to-reach regions and outreach to vulnerable populations have been major enablers.

Remaining Challenges

Despite the clear progress, several challenges persist. While 187 cases per lakh marks a significant drop, India’s incidence remains high compared with lower-burden countries. Tackling drug-resistant TB, integrating TB care with HIV, diabetes and malnutrition management, and reaching marginalised populations remain urgent tasks.

Furthermore, sustaining high treatment-adherence, reducing socio-economic barriers, and improving nutrition and psychosocial support require ongoing focus.

The Road Ahead

To move from decline to elimination, India needs to:

• Strengthen community-based screening and decentralise care in remote areas.
• Enhance private-sector participation and public-private partnerships in TB control.
• Accelerate investment in new vaccines, shorter treatment regimens and next-gen diagnostics.
• Address social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition and overcrowded living conditions.
• Maintain robust monitoring and evaluation to prevent resurgence.

Static GK fact: TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent (above HIV/AIDS).

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India’s Steady Decline in Tuberculosis Burden: