India has entered a decisive and results-driven era in public health, marked by dramatic reductions in the burden of major diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, as well as significant drops in maternal and child mortality rates. This progress was highlighted by Union Health Minister JP Nadda at the Advancing Public Health Outcomes Forum 2025 in New Delhi.
Sustained Efforts Yield Dramatic Results
Addressing the forum, Minister Nadda stated that these historic gains are not the result of isolated programs but stem from sustained political commitment, robust scientific capacity, and widespread public participation (Jan Bhagidari). He emphasized that today's improved disease control and immunization outcomes are a direct reflection of the country's growing institutional strength.
The data presented is compelling. Malaria incidence has plummeted by over 80%, with deaths down by 78%, moving India from a high-burden nation to a high-impact phase in the fight against the disease. In the case of tuberculosis, the incidence rate has fallen from 237 cases per 100,000 population in 2015 to 187 per 100,000 in the latest data—a decline of 21%, nearly double the global average.
The gains in maternal and child health are equally impressive. Maternal mortality has reduced from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014 to 88 in 2025. Simultaneously, infant mortality has declined from 39 to 27 per 1,000 live births. Rates for under-five and neonatal mortality have also fallen at a pace far exceeding the global average.
National Reports Highlight Progress and Persistent Challenges
The forum reviewed four national reports tracking progress on malaria, tuberculosis, lymphatic filariasis, and immunization. While celebrating the sharp reduction in disease burden across most regions, the reports unanimously warn that the final phase of elimination will be the most challenging.
The malaria assessment found that transmission persists stubbornly in tribal, forested, and hard-to-reach areas, with new risks emerging in some urban pockets. Experts cautioned that as cases fall, strong surveillance is critical to detect asymptomatic infections that could otherwise be missed.
On lymphatic filariasis, the report flagged concerning gaps in districts that have completed mass drug administration, particularly in urban slums, industrial belts, and migrant settlements. Issues like uneven drug uptake, weak patient follow-up, and limited morbidity care threaten India's 2027 elimination target.
For tuberculosis, expanded diagnostics, digital tracking, and newer drug regimens have improved outcomes. However, deep-rooted drivers like poverty, malnutrition, migration, and co-morbidities continue to fuel transmission. Major concerns include care disruptions for migrant populations and the growing burden of post-TB lung disease among survivors.
The immunization assessment praised strong childhood vaccine coverage but identified problems later in life. It pointed to significant gaps in adolescent and adult vaccination, inconsistencies in data, and the absence of a comprehensive life-course immunization strategy.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare as the Foundation
Central to the government's strategy is the strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure. Minister Nadda reiterated the goal of establishing one Ayushman Arogya Mandir for every 2,000 people. He noted that over 30,000 such health and wellness centers have already achieved national quality certification, forming the bedrock of this public health revolution.
The collective findings underscore a transformative period for India's health landscape. The remarkable declines in key indicators demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained, system-wide efforts. However, the path to complete elimination requires focused attention on the last-mile challenges in vulnerable and mobile populations, ensuring that the gains are equitable and irreversible.
