New Delhi

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global TB Report 2024, highlighting India’s significant achievements in combating tuberculosis (TB). Since 2015, India has made remarkable progress in identifying missed TB cases. In 2023, an estimated 2.7 million people had TB, with 2.51 million diagnosed and receiving treatment. This has increased the treatment coverage from 72% in 2015 to 89% in 2023. The WHO noted a reduction in TB incidence in India, dropping from 237 cases per 100,000 people in 2015 to 195 in 2023—a decline of 17.7%, significantly outpacing the global average of 8.3%.

The report also acknowledged India’s reduction in TB mortality, decreasing from 28 to 22 deaths per 100,000 population, marking a 21.4% decline. The government has enhanced the National TB Elimination Programme, increasing its budget from ₹640 crores in 2015 to ₹3,400 crores in 2022-23. Most funding comes from government sources, enabling the introduction of advanced diagnostic tools and free treatment for all TB patients.

In a recent initiative, the government increased support under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, raising financial assistance for TB patients from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month. This program has disbursed ₹3,202 crores to 11.3 million beneficiaries. The WHO’s acknowledgment reflects a significant shift in India’s approach to TB care over the last eight years, underscoring the country’s commitment to reducing TB cases and improving patient support.