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India’s Tuberculosis Burden

11.07.2025

 

India’s Tuberculosis Burden

 

Context:
Despite ongoing interventions, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health challenge in India, accounting for 28% of the global TB cases. The country has set an ambitious target to eliminate TB by 2025, but the emergence of drug-resistant strains and gaps in healthcare delivery hinder progress.

 

About the News

  • High TB burden: India still records a substantial number of TB cases, despite a gradual decline.
  • Drug-resistant strains rising: Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR)  and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) TB cases complicate treatment and control efforts.
  • New treatment adopted: The BPaL regimen is being introduced to manage resistant TB efficiently.
  • India’s elimination target: India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, earlier than the global 2030 target.
     

 

Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It commonly affects the lungs, but can also spread to other areas like the abdomen, bones, lymph nodes, and even the nervous system.
  • The disease is transmitted through the air, mainly when a person breathes in droplets released by an infected individual while coughing, sneezing, or speaking.

 

Different Forms of Tuberculosis

Type

Nature

Infectious?

Symptoms?

Pulmonary TB

Occurs in the lungs; most common and highly contagious form.

Yes

Yes

Latent TB

Bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state; no symptoms appear.

No

No

Active TB

Bacteria multiply; immune system fails to contain the infection.

Yes

Yes

 

 

 

Government Initiatives

  • BPaL regimen introduced: Combines Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid, reducing treatment from 24 to 6 months.
  • Focused campaigns launched: Initiatives like "TB Harega Desh Jeetega" and Nishchay Ecosystem promote awareness and support.
  • Nutrition support for patients: Under Nikshay Poshan Yojana, patients receive ₹500/month during treatment.
  • Free diagnosis and medicines: National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) ensures free access to diagnostic tests and drugs.
  • Community involvement encouraged: TB champions, former patients, and ASHAs aid early detection and care.
  • Global coordination: WHO observes World TB Day (March 24) and tracks global efforts via its annual report.
     

 

Major Challenges

  • Undiagnosed co-morbidities: TB often coexists with diabetes, anemia, or alcoholism, increasing mortality risk.
  • Health infrastructure gaps: Rural and tribal areas lack proper labs and trained personnel for timely diagnosis.
  • Stigma and awareness issues: Many patients delay treatment due to social stigma or lack of knowledge.
  • MDR/XDR treatment difficulties: Drug resistance leads to longer, costlier, and more toxic regimens, reducing success rates.
     

 

Way Forward

  • Strengthen diagnostic systems: Expand molecular tests (like CB-NAAT) across PHCs and CHCs for quicker detection.
  • Target vulnerable populations: Special focus on tribals, urban slums, and migrant groups can reduce missed cases.
  • Private sector collaboration: Link private practitioners with NTEP for standardized diagnosis and reporting.
  • Promote patient-centric care: Use digital tools like Ni-kshay Mitras and teleconsultation to support treatment adherence.
     

 

Conclusion

India’s fight against TB is progressing, yet serious gaps in diagnosis, resistance management, and public awareness must be addressed urgently. A multi-sectoral approach combining medical innovation, grassroots involvement, and policy commitment will be key to achieving the 2025 TB elimination goal.

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