India has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against tuberculosis, with the latest World Health Organization report confirming a substantial decline in both cases and deaths over the past decade.
Substantial Decline in TB Incidence
According to the recently released Global TB Report 2025 from the World Health Organization, India has recorded an impressive 21 per cent reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024. The data shows a dramatic drop from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024, marking a crucial victory in the country's public health efforts.
Government Sources Refute Claims of Rise
Government sources have strongly refuted recent claims suggesting any rise in tuberculosis cases, pointing to the WHO report as definitive evidence of India's progress. The comprehensive data collected through the national tuberculosis elimination program aligns with the WHO findings, confirming the downward trend in both new infections and mortality rates.
The report, published on November 21, 2025, provides the most current assessment of the global tuberculosis situation and highlights India's consistent efforts in tackling this persistent health challenge. The timing of the report's release comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of various public health initiatives launched over the past ten years.
Implications for Public Health Strategy
This positive development suggests that India's intensified focus on tuberculosis elimination is yielding measurable results. The consistent decline in cases over such an extended period indicates that the multi-pronged approach involving early detection, improved treatment protocols, and public awareness campaigns is working effectively.
Health experts are viewing this 21 per cent reduction as a strong foundation for achieving more ambitious targets in the coming years. The success story also provides valuable insights for other countries battling high tuberculosis burdens, demonstrating that sustained efforts and strategic interventions can indeed reverse long-standing public health challenges.
