India has made progress in reducing its tuberculosis burden, recording a 21% decline in new TB cases. However, the country still accounts for about 25% of all new TB cases globally, making it a critical focal point for global TB elimination efforts. Despite national health strategies targeting TB, the country continues to face stigma, poor nutrition, and lack of proper healthcare access, all of which hinder progress.
A key focus is multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), which is particularly difficult to treat. To combat MDR-TB, India has introduced a new program that prioritizes access to early diagnosis and extended treatment regimens, alongside the expansion of community-based care models. In the fight against TB, improving nutrition and healthcare infrastructure is seen as vital to reducing transmission rates.
India’s challenge is exacerbated by population density, making it a hotspot for TB transmission. Global efforts to eradicate TB, supported by WHO and local organizations, are being strengthened by new research and technological innovations, such as rapid diagnostic tools.
