India’s TB decline outpaces global average but high burden remains a concern – Firstpost

The latest data reveals that India’s tuberculosis (TB) incidence has decreased from 237 to 195 cases per 100,000 population between 2015 and 2023—a 17.7% reduction, more than double the global average of 8.3%.

This progress highlights the success of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). However, India remains far from its 2025 target of reducing incidence to 10 cases per 100,000 population, five years ahead of the global goal. The high disease burden and other factors continue to pose challenges.

NTEP has implemented several measures, including nationwide program reach, enhanced diagnostic services, free diagnosis and treatment, community engagement through initiatives like ‘Nikshay Mitras,’ shorter drug regimens for resistant cases, and digital tools like the Nikshay portal.

India accounts for 62% of multidrug-resistant TB cases worldwide

Dr. Sushrut Ganpule, Consultant in Chest Medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, highlighted India’s significant contribution to the global TB burden. Alongside Russia and China, India accounts for 62% of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases worldwide, bearing 30% of the global TB burden.

“India’s National Strategic Plan (2017–25) aims to reduce TB incidence rapidly, aligning with global targets. Community engagement is vital to educate people, reduce stigma, and address challenges faced by TB patients.”

“Investing in research for new diagnostics, treatments, and healthcare delivery models like telemedicine is crucial. Advances like rapid molecular tests (e.g., Xpert MTB/RIF) and shorter drug-resistant TB regimens have improved outcomes and reduced side effects,” Dr. Ganpule said.

Alarming TB statistics

Data from City X-Ray and Scan Clinic over the past six months shows that 21% of pediatric cases (up to 16 years) and nearly 14% of adults were microbiologically confirmed TB cases, including both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. Additionally, latent TB testing (IGRA) revealed 23% positivity in children and 43% in adults.

Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor at City X-Ray and Scan Clinic said “The high TB caseload reflects widespread ignorance and malnutrition, particularly among those with weakened immune systems. While pulmonary TB is widely recognized, extrapulmonary TB—where the infection spreads to other organs—is equally serious and often overlooked.”

Call for early detection and prevention

Health experts stress the importance of early diagnosis and stronger preventive measures. Dr. Ravi Kapoor, Founder and Senior Consultant Radiologist at City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, said:

“Early detection is crucial to prevent complications and curb transmission. Accurate diagnosis is half the battle won. This requires enhanced surveillance, improved screening, and more accredited labs for reliable testing.”

Role of private players in TB elimination

Experts highlight the critical role of private healthcare providers in supporting NTEP to combat TB. Dr. Aakaar Kapoor said “India has outperformed many high-burden countries, but preventive care, early diagnosis, and public-private collaboration need urgent attention. Integrating private diagnostic centers with advanced technology, involving them in policymaking, and leveraging their expertise can accelerate progress. Labs with robust infrastructure should also assist others in capacity building.”

“Mandatory accreditation for diagnostic labs and a triple-layer verification system for TB detection can enhance accuracy. Schools should run awareness programs to detect extrapulmonary TB in children early.”