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India has recorded a 38% decline in tuberculosis (TB) mortality since 2015, outperforming the global reduction of 35%, while achieving a treatment success rate of 94% among patients with drug-susceptible TB, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on November 12.

The report highlights progress in India’s efforts to reduce TB-related deaths through early detection, rapid diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained patient support under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). India’s estimated TB mortality rate declined from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025.

The country’s intensified screening efforts have also expanded the identification of people with TB, including those who do not initially show symptoms. Under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, more than 25 crore people were covered between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026. During this period, over 11 crore chest X-rays and more than 3 crore nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) were conducted.

The screening campaign resulted in the detection of 48.64 lakh TB cases, including approximately 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases. The findings underline the importance of proactive screening in identifying infections that may otherwise remain undetected.

Technology has become an important component of India’s TB response. The programme has incorporated AI-enabled chest X-rays, rapid molecular diagnostic tests and digital tools to identify disease hotspots and individuals at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Initiatives such as the Khushi AI chatbot and Avatar Videobot are also being used to support patient engagement and awareness.

Nutritional and community-based assistance have further strengthened treatment support. The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides nutritional assistance to people undergoing TB treatment, while the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative encourages individuals and organisations to support patients through community participation.

According to the Union Health Ministry, 96% of the funding requirements for India’s TB programme are met through domestic resources, reflecting sustained national investment in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

However, the progress comes alongside a continuing disease burden. India accounted for approximately 25% of global TB cases in 2025, remaining the country with the highest estimated number of people developing the disease. The WHO has also indicated that India’s TB incidence estimates are under review, with revised country estimates expected following further technical discussions.

The 2026 report draws on multiple sources for India’s mortality estimates, including the Registrar General of India’s Sample Registration System, community-based verbal autopsy assessments and programme data from the Ni-kshay portal.

The latest figures highlight improvements in mortality and treatment outcomes, while reinforcing the need for continued investment in diagnostic access, preventive treatment, nutritional support and community-based screening to accelerate progress towards TB elimination.

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By MedGate Bureau