TB
India achieves major TB milestone: Deaths fall 38%, treatment success rate hits 94%
India has recorded a significant milestone in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), achieving a 38% reduction in TB-related mortality since 2015, compared with a global decline of 35%.
The country has also reported an impressive 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB.
The achievements, highlighted in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on November 12, 2026, reflect India's sustained efforts to eliminate TB through early detection, timely treatment, technological innovation and comprehensive patient care.
India's reduction in TB mortality underscores the country's progress in tackling the disease and reducing TB-related deaths.
The improvement reflects the impact of intensified interventions under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). These include proactive case finding, the use of AI-enabled chest X-rays, rapid diagnostic services, timely initiation of treatment, differentiated TB care and nutritional assistance through initiatives such as the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra.
The programme has also leveraged artificial intelligence tools to identify disease hotspots, predict high-risk TB cases vulnerable to adverse outcomes and strengthen patient engagement. These initiatives include Khushi, an AI-powered chatbot and avatar-based videobot.
Meanwhile, India's 94% treatment success rate highlights the effectiveness of its patient-centric approach, improved treatment delivery mechanisms and sustained support for people affected by TB.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's fight against tuberculosis has evolved into a nationwide Jan Andolan, bringing together government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and citizens in the pursuit of a TB-Mukt Bharat.
Guided by the Prime Minister's emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (people's participation), 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 healthcare services closer to vulnerable populations.
India's commitment to eliminating TB is also reflected in its funding pattern, with 96% of the TB programme's funding requirements being met through domestic resources. This underscores the country's sustained financial investment, political commitment and whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to eradicating the disease.
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