NEW DELHI, March 24: On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted the government’s significant strides in combating tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest infectious disease, and reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating it by the end of 2025. This ambitious target was set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, aiming to eradicate TB five years ahead of the global deadline.

Nadda emphasized the government’s progress through the National TB Elimination Programme. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global TB Report 2024 reveals that India has achieved a remarkable 17.7% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, which is more than double the global average decline of 8.3%. Additionally, TB-related deaths have decreased by 21.4%, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh in 2023.

On World TB Day, Nadda shared updates on ongoing efforts, including the launch of the India 100 Days TB Elimination Campaign in December, which targets 347 high-priority districts across 33 states and Union Territories. The campaign, focused on high-burden areas, has already helped detect over five lakh TB cases.

To further support TB patients, the government has rolled out the Nikshya Poshan Yojana, a program that provides financial assistance to ensure proper nutrition for those undergoing treatment. The financial support has been increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month to aid in the nutritional needs of TB patients.

Despite progress, India remains the highest burdened country globally, with an estimated 28 lakh TB cases in 2024, accounting for 26% of the global burden. The country also reported approximately 3.15 lakh TB-related deaths, representing 29% of global TB deaths.

“We are fully committed to eliminating TB and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations,” Nadda said. He expressed gratitude to healthcare workers for their continuous support and efforts in the battle against TB, urging collective action toward creating a TB-free India, or #TBMuktBharat.

World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about TB, its prevention, and treatment, with this year’s theme being “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”