India's Tuberculosis Report Overview 2025

World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2025: Key Highlights for India

1. TB Incidence and Global Context:

   • India's TB incidence decreased by 21%, from 237 to 187 per lakh population between 2015 and 2024.
   • India accounts for 25% of the world's total TB burden and recorded the highest number of cases globally in 2024.

2. State-wise Distribution:

   • Uttar Pradesh reported the highest absolute number of TB cases, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
   • Delhi has the highest prevalence rate of TB infection, despite lower actual case numbers.

3. Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB):

   • India has the highest burden of MDR-TB cases, constituting 32% of global cases in 2024.
   • The treatment success rate is 90% for new and previously treated TB cases but drops to 77% for MDR-TB and rifampicin-resistant TB cases under second-line treatment.

4. Mortality Rates:

   • TB mortality rate decreased from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 21 in 2024, still exceeding the government's target by over three times.

5. Targets and Progress:

   • India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030; however, it has not met its ambitious target.
   • Incremental gains have contributed to saving millions of lives, despite the challenges.

6. Factors Contributing to Gains:

   • Utilization of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular diagnostic tools for rapid TB detection.
   • Focus on improved nutrition to aid susceptible populations.
   • Specific schemes targeting drug-resistant TB and introduction of novel therapeutic regimens (e.g., BPaLM).

7. National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):

   • The NTEP is positioned to address significant health challenges, including:
     • Gaps in diagnosis, especially in rural regions.
     • Socio-economic disparities impacting health outcomes.
     • The high burden of MDR/RR-TB cases.
     • Drug shortages and issues surrounding malnourishment.

8. Future Directions:

   • Successful TB control in India depends on addressing the critical issues identified to prevent continued setbacks in eradication efforts.

This summary emphasizes essential data, statistics, policies, and ongoing challenges related to tuberculosis in India, reinforcing the urgency of a multifaceted approach in public health strategy.