India records 38% decline in TB deaths since 2015, WHO report finds
The Union Health Ministry said the findings reflected India's progress towards eliminating TB through early detection, timely treatment, technology and patient care. India's estimated TB mortality rate fell from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025.
The WHO report used evidence from several sources to estimate TB deaths. These included the Registrar General of India's Sample Registration System, community-based assessments of causes of death and data from the Ni-kshay portal.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StorySTRONGER DETECTION AND PATIENT-CENTRED CAREAccording to the ministry statement cited by PTI, the decline in deaths followed stronger measures under the National TB Elimination Programme. These included active case detection, artificial intelligence-enabled X-rays, rapid tests, prompt treatment, care based on patients' needs and nutritional assistance under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra initiative.
The programme also used artificial intelligence tools to identify TB hotspots and patients at greater risk of poor outcomes. Other tools include the Khushi-AI Chatbot and Avatar Videobot.
The ministry said the 94 per cent treatment success rate showed the effectiveness of patient-centred care, improved treatment delivery and continued support for people affected by TB.
It said the campaign against TB had developed into a nationwide public movement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, involving government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and citizens. The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has expanded community screening, AI-enabled chest X-rays, rapid molecular tests, preventive treatment and nutritional support, particularly for vulnerable groups.
India meets 96 per cent of its TB programme funding requirements through domestic resources, reflecting continued national investment and participation across government and society, the ministry said.100-DAY CAMPAIGNS TARGET HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS
The first intensified 100-day campaign was launched on December 7, 2024, in 347 high-priority districts across 33 states and Union Territories. It was later expanded nationwide to improve early detection among vulnerable and high-risk groups.
A second intensified 100-day campaign began on March 24, 2026, focusing on TB screening in 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and wards, community gathering places and vulnerable communities.
Between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026, more than 25 crore people were identified for TB screening, the ministry told PTI. More than 11 crore chest X-rays were conducted, leading to the detection of 48.64 lakh new TB cases. These included 14.97 lakh cases among people without symptoms who might otherwise have remained undiagnosed.
The campaign also focuses on starting treatment quickly, providing care according to patients' needs, offering nutritional assistance and maintaining community support. The ministry said 67,933 panchayats were declared TB-free in 2025.AI TOOLS AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS STRENGTHEN SCREENING
Portable AI-enabled digital X-ray machines, wider use of rapid molecular tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests, and stronger diagnostic facilities have helped the programme reach people across different geographical and social settings. The Ni-kshay digital platform is used to track patients, monitor treatment and manage the programme, helping ensure continued care and timely action.
The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis conducted a nationally representative survey on TB prevalence in 2025. The findings have been shared with the WHO and are under technical discussion, after which the organisation will publish an updated country profile for India.COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION REMAINS CENTRAL TO TB ELIMINATION
The ministry said community and institutional participation remained central to the TB elimination programme. Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, elected representatives, civil society organisations, private healthcare providers, companies and community leaders have supported awareness drives, screening, nutritional assistance and patient care.
Under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, citizens and institutions can contribute directly to the recovery and well-being of people undergoing TB treatment. The JOSH Teams initiative is also seeking greater youth participation in the campaign.
JOSH Teams are being formed at block and ward levels. Each team is led by a designated Class I officer and supported by five National Cadet Corps cadets and five MY Bharat volunteers. They work on awareness, community outreach and mobilisation to increase participation in the TB elimination programme.
The Health Ministry said the progress highlighted in the WHO report followed continued investment in public health, technology, disease monitoring and community-led measures. It said the government would continue to expand screening and access to quality tests, ensure prompt treatment and preventive care, provide nutritional assistance and deepen community participation to build on the decline in TB deaths and improve treatment outcomes.- Ends
