Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 Highlights

Summary of WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025

Key Statistics and Facts:

• Global TB Incidence: In 2024, TB affected approximately 1.07 crore individuals worldwide, leading to over 12 lakh deaths.
• Concentration of Cases: 87% of TB patients were from 30 countries, notably India (25%), Indonesia (10%), and the Philippines (6.8%).
• India's Progress: India experienced a 21% decrease in TB incidence from 237 to 187 per lakh population from 2015 to 2024, nearly doubling the global decline rate. Treatment coverage reached 92%.

Regional Data:

• The highest TB cases in India were in:
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • Bihar
  • Madhya Pradesh
• Delhi has the highest TB prevalence rate.

Government Initiatives:

• Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme renamed to National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims at TB elimination by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030.
• The government has expanded the TB laboratory network to 9,391 rapid molecular testing units and 107 culture testing labs.
• Introduction of AI-enabled X-ray units for enhanced community screening, with over 500 units deployed and an addition of 1,500 planned.
• Nutritional Support: Under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, monthly benefits for TB patients increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000.

Challenges:

• Persistent drug-resistant TB, inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural regions, and socioeconomic disparities hinder access to treatment.
• Funding issues: Global TB funding was stagnant, with only $5.9 billion available in 2024, significantly below the $22 billion target needed by 2027.

Global Trends:

• From 2023 to 2024, global TB illness rates decreased by 2%, and deaths fell by 3%.
• Since 2000, timely treatment of TB has reportedly saved 8.3 crore lives.
• Development in TB research: Currently, 63 diagnostic tests and 29 drugs are in clinical trials, with 18 vaccine candidates under development.

Constitutional Context and Health Policies:

• The report highlights the implementation of health initiatives in line with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) aimed at promoting public health.
• The government's ongoing strategies align with the constitutional mandate to ensure the right to health.

This report signifies the need for sustained efforts, adequate funding, and emphasis on reducing stigma to achieve TB eradication goals effectively.