Tuberculosis remains India’s biggest infectious disease killer, but mass screening efforts are bearing fruit

NEW DELHI: India may be making progress against tuberculosis, but the scale of the challenge remains daunting – it accounts for nearly a quarter of the world’s TB cases, although millions of infected people remain undetected.According to the TB Fact Sheet 2026 released by the Centre, TB remains the biggest infectious disease challenge facing India. India accounts for approximately 25% of the global TB burden, and the five countries together account for more than half of the total global TB cases.Addressing the national launch event of World Tuberculosis Day 2026 in Greater Noida, Health Minister JP Nadda said that India is on track to eliminate TB ahead of the global target, driven by the ‘jan bhagidari’ approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that between 2015 and 2024, tuberculosis incidence fell by 21%, deaths by 25%, and treatment coverage now reaches 92%.Recent data supports this trend. Treatment success rates have increased to about 90%, with more than 2.6 million cases reported in 2024, a record high, reflecting more robust testing efforts.The main impetus comes from the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on identifying hidden and high-risk cases. More than 200 million people were screened and more than 3.2 million people with TB were identified, including a large number of asymptomatic cases. Nada said enhanced case detection had reduced the number of undetected cases from more than 1 million to less than 100,000.He also announced a 100-day intensive campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards and the launch of the AI-powered TB Mukt Bharat app to improve access to care and treatment tracking.The fact sheet highlights that TB remains closely associated with poverty, malnutrition and living conditions, with economically disadvantaged groups at higher risk. People with diabetes, AIDS, smokers, alcoholics and people living in crowded conditions are particularly susceptible. Meanwhile, drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with more than 55,000 cases reported in 2024, requiring longer and more complex treatments.Despite progress, gaps remain. Nearly 64% of people with TB symptoms do not seek treatment due to stigma, lack of awareness or affordability issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.To address this issue, the government is combining community outreach with technology. Initiatives like the Ni-kshay Mitra program mobilize volunteers to provide nutrition and social support, while digital tools like the TB Mukt Bharat app are helping streamline care.Highlighting increased funding and home-grown innovations such as TrueNat, Nadda said TB is both preventable and curable, stressing the need to reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.Health officials stress that TB symptoms go beyond just a persistent cough and can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain and night sweats, so early detection is crucial.