India records 38 per cent decline in TB mortality

New Delhi, Nov 12: India has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), recording a 38% reduction in TB mortality since 2015, compared to a global decline of 35%, alongside an impressive 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB.
These achievements, highlighted in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, reflect India’s sustained progress towards eliminating TB through early detection, timely treatment, technological innovation and comprehensive patient care.
India’s reduction in TB mortality highlights the country’s strong performance in reducing TB-related deaths. The progress reflects the impact of intensified interventions under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), including proactive case finding including use of AI enabled X-rays, rapid diagnostics, prompt treatment initiation, differentiated TB care, and nutritional support through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra initiative. These interventions were supported by AI tools for identification of hotspots, prediction of high-risk TB cases prone for adverse outcomes, Khushi – AI Chatbot & Avatar Videobot, etc.
The high treatment success rate of 94% further demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s patient-centred approach, strengthened treatment delivery and sustained support for people affected by TB.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s fight against TB has evolved into a nationwide Jan Andolan, bringing together government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and citizens in pursuit of a TB-Mukt Bharat. Guided by the Prime Minister’s emphasis on Jan Bhagidari, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has accelerated community-based screening, AI-enabled chest X-rays, rapid molecular diagnostics, TB preventive treatment and nutritional support, taking essential services closer to vulnerable populations.
India’s commitment is further reflected in 96% of TB programme funding requirements being met through domestic resources, demonstrating sustained national investment, strong political commitment and a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to TB elimination.
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has emerged as a major driver of India’s accelerated TB elimination efforts, transforming the approach to TB detection through proactive screening, technology-enabled diagnostics and community outreach.
The first intensified 100-day campaign, launched on 7 December 2024 across 347 high-priority districts in 33 States and Union Territories, was subsequently expanded nationwide to strengthen early detection, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations. Building upon the learnings and momentum generated, another intensified 100 Days campaign was launched by the Government on 24th March 2026, focussing on TB screening in 1.58 lakh high risk villages & wards, congregate settings & vulnerable population.
The detection of nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic cases is particularly significant, demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive screening in identifying individuals who might otherwise remain undiagnosed. Early identification facilitates timely treatment and provides opportunities to reduce TB transmission and prevent severe disease.
The Abhiyaan also focuses on prompt treatment initiation, differentiated patient care, nutritional assistance and continued community-based support to improve treatment outcomes. With these efforts, 67933 Panchayats have been declared TB Free in 2025.
India is increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to make TB screening and diagnosis faster, more accurate and accessible.
The deployment of portable AI-enabled digital X-rays, expansion of rapid molecular diagnostic technologies, including NAAT, and strengthening of diagnostic infrastructure have significantly enhanced the programme’s ability to reach populations across diverse geographical and social settings.
The Ni-kshay digital platform supports patient tracking, treatment monitoring and programme management, strengthening continuity of care and timely interventions.
The integration of TB screening with the identification and management of diabetes, undernutrition and other comorbidities is further enabling comprehensive and patient-centred treatment.
Nutritional support remains a key pillar of India’s TB response. Through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, eligible patients receive financial assistance towards nutritional requirements during treatment, while the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative mobilises individuals, institutions and organisations to provide nutritional and psychosocial support.
These interventions, together with improved diagnostics and patient follow-up, are contributing to stronger treatment outcomes and reduced TB mortality.