Tuberculosis bacteria
New Delhi: The World Tuberculosis (TB) Day observed annually on March 24, commemorates the groundbreaking discovery of the TB bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, which laid the foundation for diagnosing and treating the disease.
For India, which shoulders the world’s highest TB burden, this day holds particular significance as the nation strives to meet its ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025—five years ahead of the global target set for 2030.
India accounts for approximately 27% of the world’s TB cases, making it the country with the largest share of the global burden. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global TB Report 2023, India reported 2.8 million TB cases in 2022, with an estimated 342,000 TB-related deaths. These staggering numbers underscore the urgency of addressing the disease, which continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those living in poverty, with malnutrition, or managing co-morbidities like HIV and diabetes.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted TB services and led to a temporary decline in case detection and treatment adherence, India has made notable progress. The Global TB Report 2023 highlighted an increase in TB case notifications, with 2.42 million cases reported in 2022—surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Treatment coverage also improved, reaching 80%, a sign of enhanced access to care. Technological advancements, such as AI-powered diagnostic tools and the Ni-kshay portal for real-time patient tracking, have further strengthened the country’s ability to detect and manage TB cases effectively.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives under the ‘National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)’. A flagship effort is the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, which focuses on providing nutritional support to TB patients through the ‘Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana’. This scheme offers financial assistance to help patients meet their dietary needs, a critical factor in recovery. Additionally, the ‘Ni-kshay Mitra’ programme encourages community involvement by allowing individuals and organizations to “adopt” TB patients, ensuring they receive proper care and treatment.
However, significant hurdles remain on the path to elimination. Drug-resistant TB, particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), continues to pose a formidable challenge. In 2022, India reported over 110,000 cases of MDR-TB, which requires more complex and prolonged treatment. The pandemic’s lingering effects, coupled with issues like underreporting in the private sector and the high prevalence of risk factors such as malnutrition and smoking, further complicate efforts.
Early intervention is important because Tuberculosis is curable. It requires timely diagnosis and strict adherence to the treatment regimen. Community involvement and widespread awareness are crucial in our fight against TB.
As India approaches its 2025 deadline, experts emphasize the need for sustained and intensified efforts. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to rapid diagnostics, and addressing social determinants like poverty and malnutrition are essential to closing the gap between current progress and the elimination target. The government’s commitment, combined with global support and community engagement, offers hope that a TB-free India is within reach.
World TB Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and galvanize efforts toward its elimination. Health officials and advocates across the nation believe that together, we can make a TB-free India a reality.
On this World TB Day, the message is clear: while India has made commendable strides, the fight against TB is far from over. Continued dedication, innovation, and collaboration will be key to achieving the vision of a healthier, TB-free future.
*A leading pulmonologist
