The “India TB Report 2024,” released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on March 27, 2024, documents significant strides in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in India. Notable achievements include a 16% decrease in the incidence of TB and an 18% reduction in TB mortality since 2015.
Key Findings:
- Incidence and Mortality Rates:
- The incidence rate decreased from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 199 per lakh population in 2022.
- The mortality rate declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022.
- Case Notifications:
- A record 25.5 lakh TB cases were reported in 2023, the highest since the 1960s.
- The notification of TB cases has improved by over 50% annually over the last nine years.
- Private healthcare sector contributed 33% of these notifications, showing a 17% increase from 2022.
- Diagnostic and Support Measures:
- Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), extensive free diagnostic services were provided, including around 189 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) in 2023.
- Financial support through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana has disbursed approximately Rs 2781 crore to about 1 crore beneficiaries.
Achievements and Goals:
- Treatment and Diagnosis:
- The treatment initiation rate reached 95% for diagnosed patients.
- 58% of diagnosed patients were tested for drug resistance.
- Overall Progress:
- The Total Annualized TB Case Notification Rate (ACNR) reached 178.8 per lakh population, the highest ever achieved by India.
- The gap between estimated and actual TB cases continues to narrow, with only 2.3 lakh cases unaccounted for in 2023 compared to 3.2 lakh in 2022.
- Future Objectives:
- The government of India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, aligning with enhanced tracking and treatment efforts.
This report highlights India’s determined efforts and substantial progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality, reflecting a robust national commitment to ending the TB epidemic. The emphasis on improving diagnostics, tracking, and support systems is key to achieving India’s ambitious target to eliminate TB by 2025.
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