J P Nadda: Community Participation Key in TB Fight
J P Nadda highlighted the role of community participation in combating tuberculosis, marking it as a 'Jan Andolan' for patient-centric care.
NEW DELHI, Nov 13: J P Nadda, the Health Minister of India, announced significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) during a recent event, describing it as a “Jan Andolan,” or people’s movement. He emphasized that community participation and patient-centric care are vital in the ongoing efforts to combat this disease.
Nadda pointed out that approximately 86% of funding for TB initiatives in 2025 originated from domestic sources, while international funding has declined. This shift highlights the importance of local investment in sustaining health services, especially as global funding faces challenges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains a major cause of mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with India contributing significantly to the global TB burden. The WHO reported that in 2025, about 10.6 million individuals developed TB worldwide, leading to approximately 1.1 million deaths. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted that despite a decrease in cases and deaths, the world’s efforts are still lagging.
Nadda stated, “Ending TB is not simply a health sector responsibility. It requires leadership across government, sustained investment, strong health systems, and communities at the centre of the response.” He called for greater urgency in ensuring that effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment reach everyone in need.
The WHO’s data shows that although there has been some progress in reducing TB incidence, it remains insufficient to meet global targets. The report noted that while deaths have decreased by 35% since 2015, the decline in new TB cases fails to meet the ambitious goal of a 50% reduction by 2025.
Nadda’s emphasis on community involvement reflects a growing recognition of the role that local populations play in managing and fighting health crises. He urged communities to engage actively in TB prevention and care efforts, reinforcing that these initiatives must be tailored to fit local contexts.
The Health Minister’s remarks come as part of a larger push to mobilize resources and increase public awareness about TB, which affects millions worldwide. The WHO has called for an annual investment of $22 billion globally to effectively tackle TB, drawing attention to the substantial funding gap that persists.