The WHO’s Global TB Report 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for India, a country that has long been at the centre of global tuberculosis discussions. Backed by new evidence and nationwide data, the report highlights how India’s determined efforts—spanning diagnostics, nutrition support, and modern therapies—are reshaping outcomes, even as deep-rooted challenges continue to influence the path toward elimination.

1. India Shows the Fastest Decline in TB Incidence Globally

• TB incidence in India fell 21% between 2015 and 2024 (from 237 to 187 cases per lakh population).
• This is the highest rate of decline globally, signalling major progress in surveillance, diagnostics and treatment access.

2. Yet India Still Carries the World’s Highest TB Burden

• India accounts for 25% of the global TB burden, the largest in the world.
• This translates into the maximum number of TB cases recorded globally in 2024.

3. State-Level Trends Reveal Geographic Concentration

• Uttar Pradesh leads in the absolute number of TB cases, followed by Maharashtra → Bihar → Madhya Pradesh
• Delhi has the highest prevalence rate but not the highest absolute caseload. (High density + urban migration = rapid transmission pockets.)

4. Multidrug-Resistant TB: India’s Biggest Challenge

• India recorded 32% of global MDR-/RR-TB cases in 2024 — the highest in the world.
• MDR-TB continues to outpace control measures, especially in underserved and peri-urban regions.

5. Treatment Outcomes Improving, But MDR Success Still Low

• 90% treatment success rate for new/relapse TB cases — among the strongest improvements in recent years.
• MDR-/RR-TB treatment success stands at 77%, showing progress but still short of global expectations.

6. TB Mortality Drops, But Still Above National Target

• Mortality reduced from 28 deaths per lakh (2015) to 21 deaths per lakh (2024).
• However, India’s mortality rate remains 3X higher than the elimination goal.

7. India Misses Its “TB-Free by 2025” Target

• Despite strong progress, the accelerated target (5 years ahead of the global goal) was not achieved.
• Significant gains still translated into millions of lives saved, indicating value in continued investment.

8. New Technologies Playing a Transformational Role

Key contributors to progress:

• AI-based screening tools
• Rapid molecular diagnostics (CBNAAT, TrueNat, LPA)
• Digital adherence systems
• New treatment regimens like BPaLM

These technologies helped improve detection & shorten time-to-treatment.

9. Nutrition & Socio-Economic Interventions Show Impact

• Improved nutrition support schemes (e.g., Nikshay Poshan Yojana) reduced vulnerability among high-risk groups.
• But malnutrition still remains a significant driver of TB.

Also read: Minister J.P. Nadda Sets Vision for a Global Innovation Era as India Pharma Expo 2026 Prepares to Lead the Future

10. Persistent Gaps Threaten Long-Term Elimination Goals

Major obstacles:

• Inadequate rural diagnostic coverage
• High MDR-/RR-TB burden
• Drug stock-outs & inconsistent supply chains
• Socio-economic disparities
• Undernutrition
• Stigma delays diagnosis & treatment

Unless these systemic gaps are addressed, India risks a progress plateau.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of any organisation. The content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

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