India Sees 38% Drop in TB Deaths Since 2015, Treatment Success Rate at 94%: WHO
New Delhi: India has recorded a 38% decline in tuberculosis-related deaths since 2015, outperforming the global reduction of 35%, while achieving a treatment success rate of 94% for drug-susceptible TB, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2026.
Released on November 12, the report highlighted India’s progress in early detection, diagnosis and patient care under the National TB Elimination Programme.
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has brought more than 25 crore people under intensified screening. Between December 2024 and November 8, 2026, over 11 crore chest X-rays and three crore molecular tests were conducted, leading to the detection of 48.64 lakh TB cases, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic patients.
India’s estimated TB mortality rate declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025, the report said.
The government has expanded the use of AI-enabled X-rays, rapid molecular diagnostics and the Ni-kshay digital platform to improve detection and patient monitoring. Nutritional assistance through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and community support under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative have also strengthened patient care.
The report noted that 96% of the country’s TB programme funding requirements were met through domestic resources. Meanwhile, 67,933 panchayats were declared TB-free in 2025.
The government said it would continue to strengthen screening, preventive treatment and community participation to accelerate the country’s progress towards a TB-free future.
