WHO Applauds India’s TB Progress With Record Decline In Incidence And Mortality

India’s battle against tuberculosis (TB) has received global recognition, with the World Health Organization (WHO) commending the country for its “encouraging gains” in narrowing detection gaps and reducing TB-related deaths. The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 highlights India’s progress as a model for other high-burden nations.

According to the report, India’s TB incidence rate fell from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024—a 21% decline, nearly double the global average. Mortality also dropped from 28 to 21 per lakh population during the same period, underscoring the effectiveness of India’s public health strategies.

Key highlights from the report include:  

• India screened over 19 crore people under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, leading to the detection of 24.5 lakh TB cases.
• The country recorded the highest global decline in TB incidence, reflecting the success of its community-based interventions and digital surveillance systems.
• Despite these gains, India still bears 25% of the global TB burden, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh accounting for the highest number of cases.
• Delhi reported the highest TB infection prevalence rate, although its absolute case numbers remain moderate.
• The WHO emphasized that while India’s progress is commendable, sustained efforts are needed to meet the End TB Strategy targets by 2030, which aim for a 90% reduction in TB deaths and 80% reduction in incidence compared to 2015 levels.
• The report also called for continued investment in diagnostics, treatment access, and awareness campaigns, especially in high-burden states and underserved populations.
• India’s achievements in TB control are being seen as a testament to its robust public health infrastructure and political commitment to disease elimination.

Sources: WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, Insights on India, The Hindu.