India Cuts TB Mortality by 38% Since 2015, WHO Report Shows

The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on 12 November, indicates that India’s tuberculosis mortality fell from 28 to 18 deaths per 100,000 population between 2015 and 2025, a 38% reduction that exceeds the global decline of 35%. Treatment success for drug-susceptible TB reached 94%.

The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched on 7 December 2024 in 347 high-priority districts across 33 states and union territories, has been expanded nationwide. A 100-day phase began on 24 March 2026, focusing on high-risk villages, urban wards and congregate settings. Between December 2024 and 8 November 2026, screening reached more than 25 crore people and identified 14.97 lakh asymptomatic TB cases.

India is increasingly using technology in TB care. Portable AI-enabled digital X-rays, rapid molecular tests and AI tools for spotting high-risk cases and hotspots are enhancing diagnostic capacity. The Ni-kshay digital platform supports patient tracking and programme management, while the Khushi AI chatbot and avatar videobot aid communication and awareness. TB services are also being integrated with screening for comorbidities such as diabetes and undernutrition.

Domestic financing covers 96% of the National TB Elimination Programme’s funding needs, reflecting a commitment to sustain interventions through national resources. Mortality estimates in the WHO report draw on data from the Registrar General’s Sample Registration System, community verbal autopsies and the Ni-kshay portal. A 2025 nationally representative TB prevalence survey by ICMR-NIRT has been shared with WHO and is under technical review.

Experts say maintaining the gains will require continued investment in diagnostic infrastructure, treatment adherence, preventive care and last-mile delivery, especially for vulnerable groups, as well as stronger surveillance and coordination between national and state health systems.