Plotting the path towards a tuberculosis-mukt Bharat

Today being the World Tuberculosis Day, I want to reflect on our journey to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in India.

- Anurag Thakur

Last December, I witnessed a community meeting in rural Maharashtra where a young woman shared her recovery story. Despite the initial stigma from her village, local health workers supported her throughout her treatment, and she now leads TB awareness sessions in her community. Her transformation is a powerful example of how localized initiatives are reshaping perceptions about TB across India, echoing our national commitment to systematically expand TB elimination efforts in every state.

Tuberculosis remains one of India's most pressing public health challenges. The latest India TB Report shows that while case notifications increased to 2.5 million in 2024, an estimated 15-20% of cases still go undetected.

Economically disadvantaged communities, particularly those in urban slums and rural areas, face significant challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and completing treatment. Although treatment success rates have improved to 86% nationwide, regional disparities continue to exist. The economic impact is also substantial, with an estimated annual productivity loss of approximately ₹13,000 crore. These statistics underscore the urgency of our mission and the need for continued innovation in our approach to TB elimination.