India Records 38% Decline in Tuberculosis Deaths Since 2015
India has reduced tuberculosis deaths by 38% since 2015, surpassing the global average decline of 35%.
NEW DELHI, Nov 15: India has recorded a 38% decrease in tuberculosis (TB) deaths since 2015, surpassing the global reduction of 35%, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2026.
The report outlines that in 2025, approximately 25.3 lakh people were diagnosed with TB in India, down from 26.18 lakh in 2024. Deaths were reported to have decreased to 2.63 lakh from over 3 lakh the previous year. The report states that India’s progress is largely due to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which integrates innovative strategies like AI-assisted X-rays and rapid diagnostics.
The NTEP, which evolved from the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in 2020, emphasizes early detection, prompt treatment, and patient support. Since its launch, initiatives like the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana have provided nutritional support to TB patients, offering financial assistance of Rs 1,000 monthly. Over time, direct benefits have reached 1.38 crore beneficiaries with considerable funds disbursed.
Dr. Vikas Oswal, a TB specialist, emphasized the importance of continual investment in TB care. He advocates for wider access to screening methods and effective treatment options to enhance recovery rates and reduce transmission.
The WHO revealed that globally, 10.6 million people were estimated to have developed TB in 2025, with 1.1 million deaths attributed to the disease. While India’s efforts have yielded positive outcomes, challenges remain, particularly regarding access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
“The continued decline in TB cases and deaths is encouraging,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. However, he stressed the need for countries to protect and enhance funding for TB services to secure health improvements.
India has committed approximately 96% of its TB program funding through domestic resources. Yet, the demand for international support has diminished, with funding dropping from $1.1 billion to $0.94 billion between 2024 and 2025. This situation highlights the urgent need for countries to combine political commitment with practical measures to effectively combat TB.