Context:
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The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 highlights that while India has achieved a significant decline in TB incidence, it continues to shoulder the largest global TB burden.
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Despite early adoption of ambitious goals, India missed its 2025 TB elimination target, underscoring persistent structural and public health challenges.
Key Highlights:
Disease Burden and Trends
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TB incidence in India declined by 21% between 2015 and 2024, indicating sustained progress.
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India accounts for 25% of the global TB burden, the highest worldwide.
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TB mortality rate reduced from 28 to 21 deaths per lakh population during the same period.
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However, the elimination target for 2025 remains unmet, despite being set five years ahead of the global 2030 goal.
Regional Distribution
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Uttar Pradesh reports the highest absolute number of TB cases, followed by:
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Maharashtra
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Bihar
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Madhya Pradesh
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Delhi records the highest TB prevalence rate, despite not having the highest case count.
Drug-Resistant TB Challenge
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India contributed 32% of global MDR-TB and rifampicin-resistant TB cases in 2024.
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Treatment success rate:
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90% for drug-sensitive TB cases.
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Only 77% for MDR-/RR-TB, indicating a major treatment gap.
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Government Initiative / Programme Details
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Implemented under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
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Focus areas include:
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Early diagnosis
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Universal drug susceptibility testing
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Free treatment and nutritional support
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Introduction of newer treatment regimens, including BPaLM therapy for drug-resistant TB.
Technological and Policy Interventions
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Use of molecular diagnostics and AI-based screening tools to improve early detection.
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Emphasis on:
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Improved nutrition support
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Adoption of shorter, more effective drug regimens
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Yet, gaps persist in:
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Timely diagnosis
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Drug availability
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Addressing malnutrition and socio-economic determinants
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Concerns and Gaps
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High MDR-/RR-TB burden threatens overall TB control gains.
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Socioeconomic disparities, urban overcrowding, and undernutrition continue to fuel transmission.
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India’s current TB mortality rate remains over three times higher than the elimination benchmark.
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Risk of complacency despite measurable progress.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
GS 2 – Social Justice
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Public health as a component of social justice
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Impact of TB on vulnerable and economically weaker sections
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Access to healthcare and nutritional support
GS 2 – Governance
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Performance and challenges of national health programmes
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Centre–State coordination in disease control
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Health policy implementation and monitoring
GS 3 – Science & Technology
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Role of diagnostic technologies and new drug regimens
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Application of AI in healthcare
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Innovation in treatment of infectious diseases
Prelims Focus:
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WHO Global TB Report
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MDR-TB and RR-TB
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National TB Elimination Programme
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TB elimination targets (India vs global)
Mains Orientation:
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Analyse why India missed its 2025 TB elimination target despite significant gains.
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Discuss the role of technology, nutrition, and governance reforms in accelerating TB elimination.