Synopsis
On March 26, PM Modi commended those working to enhance the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in India, emphasizing grassroots efforts and community involvement. He highlighted India's goal to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global target, while acknowledging progress in case detection and awareness through various initiatives.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi lauds grassroots efforts against TB.
- India aims to eradicate TB by 2025.
- Community initiatives vital for TB awareness.
- Campaign mobilized over 33,000 representatives.
- Significant decline in TB incidence and deaths.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) As India strives to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) — recognized as the world’s most lethal infectious disease — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised those who are actively working to enhance the battle against TB in the nation.
“I commend everyone engaged in strengthening the fight against TB and contributing to a #TBMuktBharat,” the Prime Minister stated in a message shared on the social media platform X.
“It is remarkable to see how this initiative is gaining traction at the grassroots level, ensuring a healthier India,” he added.
PM Modi expressed these sentiments while echoing Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s remarks on the advancements made by India in the fight against TB, aided by local and community efforts, transforming it into a Jan Andolan (mass movement).
India aims to End TB by 2025, five years ahead of the international objective. To expedite this effort, the Health Ministry launched a 100-day intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in December of the previous year, which culminated on World TB Day, March 24.
The campaign targeted 455 high-priority districts across 33 States/UTs to boost TB case detection, reduce mortality rates, and prevent new infections.
“With over 1.94 lakh awareness initiatives, the Jan Andolan also spurred the active participation of more than 33,000 elected officials and 22 line ministries, showcasing a comprehensive approach to TB elimination,” Nadda noted on X.
He further added that the campaign “mobilized the community for effective nutritional support through 1.05 lakh new Nikshay Mitras, distributing over 3 lakh nutrition food baskets.”
Additionally, more than 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs were conducted across states, screening 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals for TB.
“This targeted strategy led to the identification of 7.19 lakh TB cases, with 2.85 lakh asymptomatic TB cases detected early that would have otherwise gone unnoticed,” the Health Minister stated.
Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, predominantly affects the lungs and is transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or spits. TB is preventable and curable.
According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, India has experienced a significant 17.7 percent decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, a rate more than double the global average decline of 8.3 percent.
TB-related fatalities have also dropped by 21.4 percent, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023,” as per the data.
Nonetheless, India reported 28 lakh TB cases in 2024, accounting for 26 percent — the highest — of the global TB burden.
The nation also recorded approximately 3.15 lakh TB-related deaths, representing 29 percent of the total global deaths.
