New Delhi: Contrary to recent claims suggesting a rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, official data from the Central TB Division and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that India has achieved a significant reduction in both TB incidence and mortality over the past decade. Strengthened surveillance, early diagnosis and expanded treatment coverage have been key drivers of this progress.

According to the WHO Global TB Report 2025, India recorded a 21% reduction in TB incidence, declining from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. TB mortality also fell by 25%, dropping from 28 deaths per lakh in 2015 to 21 in 2024. During the same period, treatment coverage surged from 53% to 92%, greatly reducing disease transmission and severity.

The Central TB Division, which oversees the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, highlighted that one of the biggest breakthroughs has been the significant reduction in the number of “missing” TB cases—undiagnosed or unreported cases that fuel community transmission. WHO had estimated nearly 15 lakh missing cases in 2015; by 2024, this number had dropped by 93% to under one lakh, reflecting stronger surveillance and proactive screening.

Launched on December 7, 2024, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan marked a major shift towards technology-driven disease control. AI-enabled handheld X-rays, digital screening tools, upfront molecular diagnostics (NAAT) and targeted outreach in high-risk zones allowed early identification of patients. In 2024 alone, 24.89 lakh cases were notified, including 8.7 lakh asymptomatic cases that would likely have remained undetected through conventional methods.

Officials clarified that the rise in case notifications is often mistaken for an increase in TB burden. In reality, it is the result of improved detection, which enables faster treatment and prevents further spread. Early diagnosis has directly contributed to lower transmission rates and better treatment outcomes, resulting in fewer TB-related deaths.

The Abhiyan continues to emphasize comprehensive patient care—nutritional support, psychosocial assistance and prevention of treatment defaults using AI-driven monitoring systems. It stands as a model of coordinated national action, combining strong administrative leadership with extensive field-level implementation.

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed that India remains firmly on course in its mission to eliminate TB. With ongoing efforts under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the country is expected to achieve further declines in incidence and mortality, moving closer to the vision of a TB-free India in the coming years.