India has recorded a 38 per cent decline in tuberculosis (TB) mortality since 2015, compared with a global reduction of 35 per cent, while achieving a treatment success rate of 94 per cent among patients with drug-susceptible TB, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on November 12.
The figures reflect India’s progress in tackling TB through early detection, timely treatment, technological interventions and comprehensive patient support under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
The reduction in TB-related deaths has been supported by intensified case-finding initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chest X-rays, rapid diagnostic tests, prompt treatment initiation and differentiated care. Nutritional assistance through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and community support under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative have also been key components of the programme.
The government has further integrated AI-based tools to identify disease hotspots, predict high-risk cases and support patient engagement through initiatives such as the Khushi AI chatbot and avatar videobot.
India’s treatment success rate of 94 per cent reflects improvements in treatment delivery, patient monitoring and continued support for people affected by the disease.
The country’s TB elimination efforts have increasingly been driven by community participation under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with government institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and citizens contributing to screening, diagnosis and patient care.
India’s commitment is also reflected in the fact that 96 per cent of the funding required for its TB programme is met through domestic resources, indicating sustained national investment in the elimination drive.
TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: More Than 25 Crore People Covered Under Screening
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has expanded access to screening and diagnosis through intensified campaigns, technology-enabled interventions and community outreach, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations.
The first intensified 100-day campaign was launched on December 7, 2024, across 347 high-priority districts in 33 States and Union Territories. It was subsequently expanded nationwide.
Building on the experience of the campaign, the government launched another intensified 100-day drive on March 24, 2026, focusing on screening in 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and wards, congregate settings and vulnerable population groups.
Between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026, the campaign brought more than 25 crore people within the ambit of TB screening. During this period, over 11 crore chest X-rays were conducted and more than three crore nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) were carried out for rapid diagnosis.
The campaign led to the identification of 48.64 lakh new TB cases, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases.
The detection of asymptomatic cases highlights the importance of proactive screening in identifying infections that may otherwise go undetected. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment and helps reduce transmission and the risk of severe disease.
The campaign also focuses on prompt treatment initiation, differentiated patient care, nutritional assistance and continued community support. According to the government, 67,933 panchayats were declared TB-free in 2025.
Technology Strengthens TB Diagnosis and Patient Care
India is increasingly using technology to improve the speed, accuracy and reach of TB screening and diagnosis.
Portable AI-enabled digital X-ray machines and rapid molecular diagnostic technologies, including NAAT, have strengthened screening and diagnostic capacity across diverse geographical and social settings.
The Ni-kshay digital platform supports patient tracking, treatment monitoring and programme management, helping ensure continuity of care and timely interventions.
The programme has also integrated TB screening with the identification and management of diabetes, undernutrition and other comorbidities to provide more comprehensive care.
Nutritional assistance remains an important component of the country’s TB response. Under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, eligible patients receive financial support to meet their nutritional requirements during treatment. The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, meanwhile, encourages individuals, institutions and organisations to provide nutritional and psychosocial assistance to TB patients.
WHO Report Draws on Multiple Sources for TB Mortality Estimates
India’s reported progress is also supported by strengthened epidemiological surveillance, scientific research and evidence-based estimation.
The WHO report has used multiple sources, including the Registrar General of India’s Sample Registration System (RGI-SRS), community-based verbal autopsy assessments and programme data from the Ni-kshay portal, to strengthen estimates of TB mortality.
According to the report, India’s estimated TB mortality rate declined by 38 per cent, from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh population in 2025.
The Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT) conducted a nationally representative TB prevalence survey in 2025. The findings have been shared with WHO and are currently under technical discussions. Following these discussions, WHO is expected to publish an updated country profile for India.
Community Participation Drives TB Elimination Efforts
Community mobilisation has emerged as a key feature of India’s TB elimination strategy, with local institutions and citizens playing an active role in awareness, screening and patient support.
Panchayati Raj Institutions, urban local bodies, elected representatives, civil society organisations, private healthcare providers, corporate partners and community leaders have contributed to grassroots-level interventions.
The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative has further encouraged citizens and institutions to support people undergoing TB treatment through nutritional and psychosocial assistance.
The government is also seeking to increase youth participation through the JOSH Teams initiative. Teams are being formed at block and ward levels under the leadership of designated Class-I officers, with support from five National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and five MY Bharat volunteers in each team.
The teams are expected to promote awareness, conduct community outreach and mobilise public participation in the campaign.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to TB-Free India
The progress outlined in the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026 reflects India’s investments in public health infrastructure, technological innovation, scientific surveillance and community-based interventions.
The 38 per cent decline in TB mortality, 94 per cent treatment success rate and large-scale screening under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan mark significant progress towards the country’s TB elimination goal.
The government has said it will continue to strengthen screening, expand access to quality diagnostics, ensure timely treatment, scale up TB preventive treatment and nutritional assistance, and deepen community engagement.
India remains committed to advancing global TB targets and achieving the vision of a TB-Mukt Bharat in collaboration with WHO, research institutions, States and Union Territories, development partners and communities.
-PIB
