India Records 38% Decline in TB Deaths, WHO Report Highlights Progress

India records a 38% decline in tuberculosis deaths since 2015, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026.

By News National Editorial Team

India Records 38% Decline in Tuberculosis Deaths, WHO Report Highlights Progress

India has recorded a 38% reduction in tuberculosis-related deaths since 2015, marking significant progress in its efforts to control one of the country's major public health challenges.

The achievement was highlighted in the World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on November 12, according to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The report also highlights a 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis.

The figures indicate improvements in disease detection, access to treatment, public health monitoring and patient support.

TB mortality falls significantly

According to the government announcement, India's estimated tuberculosis mortality rate declined from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 18 deaths per lakh population in 2025.

The 38% reduction exceeds the reported global decline of 35% over the same period.

Tuberculosis remains an important public health concern, particularly in countries with large populations and unequal access to healthcare.

The disease primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with infectious pulmonary TB releases bacteria through coughing or sneezing.

Early diagnosis and completion of prescribed treatment are essential to reducing transmission and preventing complications.

Nationwide screening and early diagnosis

India's TB control efforts have increasingly focused on identifying infections before patients develop advanced symptoms.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has covered more than 25 crore people.

The government also reported that more than 11 crore chest X-rays and approximately three crore molecular tests had been conducted under intensified screening efforts.

These activities have helped identify cases that might otherwise remain undiagnosed.

The government reported 48.64 lakh TB cases detected, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases, through intensified screening.

Technology supports TB detection

Medical technology has become an increasingly important component of tuberculosis screening.

AI-enabled chest X-ray analysis can help identify suspicious abnormalities and prioritise patients for further diagnostic testing.

Molecular diagnostic tests can provide important information about the presence of tuberculosis bacteria and, depending on the test, drug resistance.

However, technology does not replace clinical assessment. Confirmatory testing and medical evaluation remain important parts of diagnosis.

Treatment success and nutritional support

The government reported a 94% treatment success rate for patients with drug-susceptible TB.

Successful treatment requires patients to complete the prescribed course of medicines under medical supervision.

Interrupting treatment can contribute to treatment failure and drug resistance.

India has also expanded nutritional assistance and community support through initiatives including the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra programme.

Nutritional support can help address food insecurity among patients and improve their ability to continue treatment.

Challenges remain

Despite the progress, India continues to face significant challenges in its tuberculosis elimination efforts.

These include delayed diagnosis, treatment interruptions, drug-resistant TB, stigma, malnutrition and unequal access to healthcare.

People living in crowded environments and communities with limited healthcare access can face additional barriers to timely diagnosis.

Sustained investment in diagnostic facilities, treatment services and public awareness will remain necessary.

What the report means for India

The latest figures represent an important public health milestone, but a decline in deaths does not mean tuberculosis has been eliminated.

Continued surveillance, early detection, quality treatment and support for patients will be necessary to maintain progress.

The WHO report also provides an opportunity to assess India's performance against international TB reduction targets.

Conclusion

India's reported 38% decline in tuberculosis deaths demonstrates progress in national disease-control efforts.

The next challenge will be maintaining these improvements, identifying undetected infections and ensuring that every diagnosed patient has access to effective and uninterrupted treatment.

Sources and references

1. Press Information Bureau – India Makes Major Strides Towards TB Elimination, November 12, 2026.

2. WHO Global Tuberculosis Reports.

3. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, India.

Editorial note: The 38% figure is the reduction in estimated TB mortality since 2015, not a reduction in the number of people currently living with TB.