India Outpaces Global Average in Reducing TB Deaths, Records 38% Decline in a Decade
Bhopal:
India has achieved significant progress in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), recording a 38 per cent decline in TB-related deaths between 2015 and 2025. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, the reduction in India was higher than the global decline of 35 per cent during the same period, highlighting the country's progress in strengthening TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The report estimates that India's TB mortality rate declined from 28 deaths per one lakh population in 2015 to 18 in 2025. The treatment success rate among patients suffering from drug-sensitive TB has also reached 94 per cent, reflecting improvements in treatment delivery and patient care.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme has played a crucial role in this progress through extensive screening, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment. The use of artificial intelligence-based chest X-ray technology, rapid diagnostic methods and molecular testing has been expanded to identify infections at an earlier stage.
Nutritional support has also remained an important component of the country's strategy. Initiatives such as the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitra programme are helping provide nutritional assistance and additional support to TB patients during treatment.
Ministry data indicate that between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026, more than 25 crore people were covered under TB screening initiatives. During this period, over 11 crore chest X-rays were conducted, leading to the identification of 48.64 lakh new TB patients. Of these, approximately 14.97 lakh patients had no prominent symptoms of the disease.
Despite this progress, the challenge remains substantial. According to the WHO, India accounted for approximately 25 per cent of the world's total TB cases in 2025. Sustaining the decline in mortality will therefore require continued efforts in early detection, infection prevention, uninterrupted treatment and public awareness.
The latest figures underline India's progress while highlighting the need for sustained action towards eliminating tuberculosis.
Hashtags: #NationalIndia #Bhopal #India #Outpaces #Global #Average #Reducing #Deaths #Records #IndiaOutpacesGlobalAverage
