New Delhi: India has recorded a 38% decline in tuberculosis (TB) mortality since 2015, exceeding the global reduction of 35%, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026 released on November 12. The country also achieved a 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB. These TB mortality gains reflect expanded screening, early diagnosis, timely treatment and nutritional support under the National TB Elimination Programme.
The report estimates that India’s TB mortality rate fell from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025. The government attributed the progress to intensified case finding, rapid diagnostics, AI-enabled chest X-rays and patient-centred care. Additionally, nutritional assistance through Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and support under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative have strengthened treatment outcomes.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the TB elimination campaign has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement. The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan combines community screening, molecular diagnostics, preventive treatment and nutritional support. Moreover, the government has met 96% of TB programme funding requirements through domestic resources, reflecting its commitment to elimination.
TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan expands screening nationwide
The intensified screening campaign has brought more than 25 crore people within the ambit of TB screening activities. Between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026, authorities conducted over 11 crore chest X-rays and more than 3 crore nucleic acid amplification tests. These efforts identified 48.64 lakh TB cases, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases.
The first 100-day campaign began on December 7, 2024, across 347 high-priority districts in 33 States and Union Territories. Subsequently, the government expanded the initiative nationwide. Another intensified campaign began on March 24, 2026, focusing on 1.58 lakh high-risk villages and wards, congregate settings and vulnerable populations.
The detection of nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic cases highlights the importance of proactive screening. Early diagnosis enables prompt treatment and helps prevent severe disease and transmission. Furthermore, the programme promotes differentiated care, nutritional assistance and continued community support.
Authorities also declared 67,933 Panchayats TB-free in 2025. This achievement reflects grassroots participation and expanded public health interventions.
Technology and patient support strengthen treatment outcomes
India has expanded the use of portable AI-enabled digital X-rays and rapid molecular diagnostic technologies. These tools help healthcare teams identify TB cases faster and improve access to diagnosis across diverse communities. Meanwhile, the Ni-kshay digital platform supports patient tracking, treatment monitoring and programme management.
The government has also integrated TB screening with the identification and management of diabetes, undernutrition and other comorbidities. This approach strengthens comprehensive patient care. Through Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, eligible patients receive financial assistance for nutritional requirements during treatment. The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative also mobilises individuals and institutions to provide nutritional and psychosocial support.
The WHO report draws on several sources to strengthen mortality estimates. These include the Registrar General of India’s Sample Registration System, community-based verbal autopsy assessments and programme data from the Ni-kshay portal. Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis conducted a nationally representative TB prevalence survey in 2025. India has shared the survey with WHO, and technical discussions are underway before an updated country profile is published.
Community participation drives India’s TB elimination campaign
Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, elected representatives, civil society organisations and private healthcare providers have strengthened grassroots mobilisation. Corporate partners and community leaders also contribute to awareness, screening and patient support. Consequently, the campaign increasingly relies on collective participation alongside government health services.
The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative encourages citizens and institutions to support people undergoing TB treatment. Building on this participation, the JOSH Teams initiative is bringing more young people into the campaign. Teams are being formed at block and ward levels under designated Class-I officers, with five NCC cadets and five MY Bharat volunteers supporting each team.
These teams conduct awareness activities, community outreach and mobilisation. Their participation aims to deepen public involvement in the TB elimination mission.
The government said it would sustain progress through intensified screening, wider access to diagnostics, effective treatment, preventive therapy and nutritional assistance. It also plans to strengthen collaboration with WHO, research institutions, States and Union Territories, development partners and communities.
The latest figures mark significant progress towards India’s TB elimination goal. However, the government continues to emphasise sustained action and community participation to achieve a TB-Mukt Bharat.
