India Cuts TB Incidence by 23%, Intensifies Elimination Drive

India has registered a significant decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths over the past decade, marking an important milestone in the country's fight against one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. As the Centre intensifies its nationwide TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan , health authorities are focusing on the final stretch of efforts to identify undiagnosed patients and accelerate progress towards a TB-free India .

According to data reviewed by the Union Health Ministry, India's TB incidence has fallen from 243 cases per lakh population in 2014 to 187 cases per lakh in 2024 , representing a decline of nearly 23 per cent . TB mortality has also reduced significantly, dropping from 34 deaths per lakh population a decade ago to 21 deaths per lakh in 2024.

Reviewing the country's tuberculosis control programme, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the ongoing 100-Day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan represents a crucial "last-mile effort" to ensure that every TB patient is identified and receives timely treatment. He called upon states and Union Territories to strengthen screening and conduct district-level reviews, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.

India's progress assumes global significance as the country continues to account for nearly one-fourth of the world's TB burden . However, the pace of decline in TB incidence has been almost twice the global average, highlighting the impact of sustained investments in early diagnosis, treatment, preventive care and community participation. India has also set itself the ambitious goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025 , five years ahead of the global target under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .

The scale of the ongoing campaign has been unprecedented. More than 28.1 crore people have been screened for tuberculosis across the country, while around 20 lakh individuals have received preventive treatment. The campaign has also added over 5.7 lakh new Nikshay Mitras , volunteers and supporters who provide nutritional and social assistance to TB patients.

Officials reported that more than 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Shivirs have been organised, covering over 1.20 lakh high-risk villages, urban wards and congregate settings . Community participation has emerged as a key strength of the campaign, with nearly 32 lakh students and youth and around 1.9 lakh My Bharat volunteers contributing to awareness and screening activities.

Technology has become a major force multiplier in the elimination drive. The deployment of handheld X-ray machines has increased X-ray screening by 34 times , enabling health workers to detect cases earlier and in remote locations. The newly launched TB Mukt Bharat App , integrated with AI-powered chatbot Khushi , is helping citizens access information on TB symptoms, patient entitlements and nearby diagnostic facilities.

The government is also expanding diagnostic infrastructure through additional radiographers and wider deployment of Truenat and CBNAAT testing machines. Alongside improved diagnostics, the Centre continues to emphasise nutritional support through initiatives such as Nikshay Poshan Yojana , recognising that malnutrition remains a major risk factor for tuberculosis.

While challenges such as drug-resistant TB, healthcare access gaps and under-diagnosis persist, health authorities believe the combination of mass screening, technology-driven detection, nutritional support and community participation can help India move closer to achieving one of its most ambitious public health goals — the elimination of tuberculosis.