India has made impressive progress in reducing tuberculosis (TB), cutting new cases by around 21% between 2015 and 2024 — nearly twice the global decline of 12%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The country has also improved TB treatment coverage dramatically, reaching over 92% in 2024, up from about 53% in 2015. Deaths from TB fell from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh in 2024, reflecting stronger healthcare access and timely treatment. Advanced technologies, such as molecular diagnostics and AI-assisted X-rays, combined with community outreach programs, have played a key role in this achievement.
Despite India’s success, WHO warns that global gains in TB control are under threat. Funding for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment has stalled worldwide, far below the levels needed to meet the “End TB” targets. In 2024, only $5.9 billion was available, compared to the $22 billion required annually by 2027.
The burden of TB remains concentrated in just a few countries, including India, which accounts for about one-fourth of new global cases. Without sustained investment and efforts to tackle social factors such as poverty and malnutrition, these gains could be at risk.
