New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Official sources from the Central TB Division confirmed that India is steadfastly progressing in its endeavor to combat tuberculosis (TB) cases. This statement comes amidst reports indicating a potential increase in TB cases across the nation.

The latest findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal a notable decline in both TB incidence and mortality rates over the past decade, affirming the government’s ongoing efforts.

As per the WHO's Global TB Report 2025, there has been a 21 percent drop in TB incidence, decreasing from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. Concurrently, TB mortality has seen a 25 percent reduction, falling from 28 deaths per lakh in 2015 to 21 in 2024.

Moreover, treatment coverage has impressively surged from 53 percent in 2015 to 92 percent in 2024, significantly curbing disease progression and transmission.

Officials attribute these improvements to enhanced surveillance, prompt detection, and expanded treatment initiatives by the government. The Health Ministry reiterated that India is on a firm path in its fight against TB, with the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan anticipated to yield further progress in decreasing incidence and mortality.

Initiated in December 2024, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a key mission aimed at eradicating this life-threatening infection from the nation.

As per WHO estimates, India faced nearly 15 lakh ‘missing’ TB cases in 2015, presenting a considerable challenge in controlling the spread of the disease. By 2024, this figure has plummeted by 93 percent to under one lakh, reflecting a significant advancement in case detection.

“The government’s renewed emphasis on identifying unreported and asymptomatic cases, which were previously overlooked due to limited surveillance, has been crucial to this success,” remarked the Central TB Division.

Officials clarified that the surge in case notifications is frequently misconstrued as a rise in TB cases; rather, it signifies enhanced detection and quicker treatment initiation, which is vital in curtailing further infection spread.

“Early identification of cases—before symptoms worsen—has led to reduced transmission and improved treatment outcomes, ultimately decreasing TB-related fatalities,” they noted.

The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan represents a strategic transition towards proactive, technology-driven disease surveillance. The campaign has utilized AI-powered handheld X-rays, digital screening tools, and advanced molecular diagnostics (NAAT), alongside targeted outreach in high-risk regions.

Under this initiative, 24.89 lakh cases were reported, of which 8.7 lakh were asymptomatic cases that might have otherwise remained undiagnosed through traditional methods.