NEW DELHI: India may be making progress against tuberculosis, but the scale of the challenge remains stark—accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s TB cases even as millions of infections continue to go undetected.Tuberculosis continues to be India’s biggest infectious disease challenge, according to the Tuberculosis Fact Sheet 2026 released by the Centre. India contributes about 25% of the global TB burden, with five countries together accounting for over half of all cases worldwide.At the World TB Day 2026 national launch event in Greater Noida, Union health minister J P Nadda said India is on track to eliminate TB ahead of global targets, driven by a “jan bhagidari” approach under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war’They are talking sense’: Trump says Iran ‘agreed to not have nuclear weapon”They cannot have a nuclear weapon’: US pushes 15-point plan to end Iran war, sent via PakistanHe cited a 21% decline in TB incidence and a 25% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2024, with treatment coverage now at 92%.Recent data supports this trend. Treatment success rates have improved to around 90%, while over 26 lakh cases were notified in 2024, the highest ever, reflecting stronger detection efforts.A major push has come from the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which has focused on identifying hidden and high-risk cases. More than 20 crore people have been screened, leading to the detection of over 32 lakh TB patients, including a large number of asymptomatic cases. Nadda said intensified case-finding has reduced undetected cases from over 10 lakh to under one lakh.He also announced a 100-day intensified campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards, along with the launch of an AI-enabled TB Mukt Bharat app to improve access to care and treatment tracking.The factsheet highlights that TB remains closely linked to poverty, malnutrition and living conditions, with economically vulnerable populations at higher risk. People with diabetes, HIV, smokers, alcohol users and those living in crowded settings are particularly susceptible. At the same time, drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with over 55,000 cases reported in 2024, requiring longer and more complex treatment.Despite progress, gaps remain. Nearly 64% of people with TB symptoms do not seek care due to stigma, lack of awareness or affordability issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.To address this, the government has combined community outreach with technology. Initiatives like the Ni-kshay Mitra programme have mobilised volunteers to provide nutritional and social support, while digital tools such as the TB Mukt Bharat app are helping streamline care.Emphasising increased funding and indigenous innovations like TrueNat, Nadda said TB is both preventable and curable, stressing the need to reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.Health officials underline that TB symptoms go beyond a persistent cough and can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain and night sweats, making early testing critical.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy AzarVessels ‘Going Dark’ In EEZ: Navy Chief Tripathi On ‘Emerging Flash Points’ In Indo-PacificAre Trump’s Iran Announcements Driven By Market Manipulation?; Trump Calls Modi To Discuss Iran WarIAF’s Biggest Aircraft Deal Progress To Replace Aging Fleet , C-130J, C-390 And A400M In RaceUS President Trump Dials PM Modi Amid West Asia Conflict, Discusses Strait Of HormuzIndia’s Rafale Marine Deal May Move Faster Than Planned With Trainer Arrival: Reports’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia Crisis123PhotostoriesGautam Adani’s Ahmedabad home reflects understated luxury livingKidney health: Gurugram-based doctor shares 5 daily habits that quietly damage your kidneysSadhguru’s wisdom: 7 rules of discipline for students10 house names inspired by ancient Indian cities and their meaningsHow to grow sacred marigold flowers in your home gardenInside the love lives of ‘The Brady Bunch’ cast: From on-screen family to real-life romancesExpert-approved 10 food combinations offering 12-30 g protein per servingFrom Saif Ali Khan-Amrita Singh to Bhagyashree-Himalaya Dasani: 5 famous Indian celebrities who eloped and got marriedExclusive – ‘The 50’ Winner Shiv Thakare opens up about his journey, Prince sacrificing his Ticket To Finale for him and his team distracting Faisu during finale taskStop Frying: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 3 ways to prepare sweet potato in an air fryer123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFortnite layoffsSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultIRCTC ticket bookingFrances TiafoeHarish RanaTrump Modi callToronto airport heistBihar Board Science Topper

NEW DELHI: India may be making progress against tuberculosis, but the scale of the challenge remains stark—accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s TB cases even as millions of infections continue to go undetected.Tuberculosis continues to be India’s biggest infectious disease challenge, according to the Tuberculosis Fact Sheet 2026 released by the Centre. India contributes about 25% of the global TB burden, with five countries together accounting for over half of all cases worldwide.At the World TB Day 2026 national launch event in Greater Noida, Union health minister J P Nadda said India is on track to eliminate TB ahead of global targets, driven by a “jan bhagidari” approach under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war’They are talking sense’: Trump says Iran ‘agreed to not have nuclear weapon”They cannot have a nuclear weapon’: US pushes 15-point plan to end Iran war, sent via PakistanHe cited a 21% decline in TB incidence and a 25% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2024, with treatment coverage now at 92%.Recent data supports this trend. Treatment success rates have improved to around 90%, while over 26 lakh cases were notified in 2024, the highest ever, reflecting stronger detection efforts.A major push has come from the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which has focused on identifying hidden and high-risk cases. More than 20 crore people have been screened, leading to the detection of over 32 lakh TB patients, including a large number of asymptomatic cases. Nadda said intensified case-finding has reduced undetected cases from over 10 lakh to under one lakh.He also announced a 100-day intensified campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards, along with the launch of an AI-enabled TB Mukt Bharat app to improve access to care and treatment tracking.The factsheet highlights that TB remains closely linked to poverty, malnutrition and living conditions, with economically vulnerable populations at higher risk. People with diabetes, HIV, smokers, alcohol users and those living in crowded settings are particularly susceptible. At the same time, drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with over 55,000 cases reported in 2024, requiring longer and more complex treatment.Despite progress, gaps remain. Nearly 64% of people with TB symptoms do not seek care due to stigma, lack of awareness or affordability issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.To address this, the government has combined community outreach with technology. Initiatives like the Ni-kshay Mitra programme have mobilised volunteers to provide nutritional and social support, while digital tools such as the TB Mukt Bharat app are helping streamline care.Emphasising increased funding and indigenous innovations like TrueNat, Nadda said TB is both preventable and curable, stressing the need to reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.Health officials underline that TB symptoms go beyond a persistent cough and can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain and night sweats, making early testing critical.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy AzarVessels ‘Going Dark’ In EEZ: Navy Chief Tripathi On ‘Emerging Flash Points’ In Indo-PacificAre Trump’s Iran Announcements Driven By Market Manipulation?; Trump Calls Modi To Discuss Iran WarIAF’s Biggest Aircraft Deal Progress To Replace Aging Fleet , C-130J, C-390 And A400M In RaceUS President Trump Dials PM Modi Amid West Asia Conflict, Discusses Strait Of HormuzIndia’s Rafale Marine Deal May Move Faster Than Planned With Trainer Arrival: Reports’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia Crisis123PhotostoriesGautam Adani’s Ahmedabad home reflects understated luxury livingKidney health: Gurugram-based doctor shares 5 daily habits that quietly damage your kidneysSadhguru’s wisdom: 7 rules of discipline for students10 house names inspired by ancient Indian cities and their meaningsHow to grow sacred marigold flowers in your home gardenInside the love lives of ‘The Brady Bunch’ cast: From on-screen family to real-life romancesExpert-approved 10 food combinations offering 12-30 g protein per servingFrom Saif Ali Khan-Amrita Singh to Bhagyashree-Himalaya Dasani: 5 famous Indian celebrities who eloped and got marriedExclusive – ‘The 50’ Winner Shiv Thakare opens up about his journey, Prince sacrificing his Ticket To Finale for him and his team distracting Faisu during finale taskStop Frying: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 3 ways to prepare sweet potato in an air fryer123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFortnite layoffsSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultIRCTC ticket bookingFrances TiafoeHarish RanaTrump Modi callToronto airport heistBihar Board Science Topper


TB remains India’s biggest infectious killer, but mass screening push shows results

NEW DELHI: India may be making progress against tuberculosis, but the scale of the challenge remains stark—accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s TB cases even as millions of infections continue to go undetected.Tuberculosis continues to be India’s biggest infectious disease challenge, according to the Tuberculosis Fact Sheet 2026 released by the Centre. India contributes about 25% of the global TB burden, with five countries together accounting for over half of all cases worldwide.At the World TB Day 2026 national launch event in Greater Noida, Union health minister J P Nadda said India is on track to eliminate TB ahead of global targets, driven by a “jan bhagidari” approach under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. He cited a 21% decline in TB incidence and a 25% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2024, with treatment coverage now at 92%.Recent data supports this trend. Treatment success rates have improved to around 90%, while over 26 lakh cases were notified in 2024, the highest ever, reflecting stronger detection efforts.A major push has come from the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which has focused on identifying hidden and high-risk cases. More than 20 crore people have been screened, leading to the detection of over 32 lakh TB patients, including a large number of asymptomatic cases. Nadda said intensified case-finding has reduced undetected cases from over 10 lakh to under one lakh.He also announced a 100-day intensified campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards, along with the launch of an AI-enabled TB Mukt Bharat app to improve access to care and treatment tracking.The factsheet highlights that TB remains closely linked to poverty, malnutrition and living conditions, with economically vulnerable populations at higher risk. People with diabetes, HIV, smokers, alcohol users and those living in crowded settings are particularly susceptible. At the same time, drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with over 55,000 cases reported in 2024, requiring longer and more complex treatment.Despite progress, gaps remain. Nearly 64% of people with TB symptoms do not seek care due to stigma, lack of awareness or affordability issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.To address this, the government has combined community outreach with technology. Initiatives like the Ni-kshay Mitra programme have mobilised volunteers to provide nutritional and social support, while digital tools such as the TB Mukt Bharat app are helping streamline care.Emphasising increased funding and indigenous innovations like TrueNat, Nadda said TB is both preventable and curable, stressing the need to reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.Health officials underline that TB symptoms go beyond a persistent cough and can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain and night sweats, making early testing critical.



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