WHO Global TB Report 2025: India’s TB Decline
Why in the news
WHO’s 2025 global tuberculosis report placed India among the fastest-improving countries, pointing to better detection, digital reporting, diagnostics and treatment results.
Key facts
- India’s TB incidence fell 21% over 2015-2024; the world managed 12%.
- TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mostly attacks the lungs, spreads via airborne droplets and is curable if treated on time.
- WHO’s report points to the need for consistent last-mile delivery and better handling of drug-resistant cases.
| Intervention | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Ni-kshay digital ecosystem | Real-time case reporting on the Ni-kshay Portal; better tracing of patients and drug supply |
| Active case finding | Door-to-door screening in high-risk districts with ASHAs, local workers and TB Champions (cured patients) |
| Diagnostics | More CB-NAAT/Truenat molecular tests, chest X-ray and sputum testing |
| Drug-resistant TB | Shorter MDR-TB regimens (BPaL, BPaLM); drug susceptibility testing |
| Nutrition | Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: ₹500 monthly DBT |
Concerns
- Heavy burden in crowded, low-income areas.
- Growing numbers of drug-resistant TB cases.
- Malnutrition and diabetes help the disease advance.
- Migration and urban slums disrupt continuous treatment.
- WHO stresses last-mile delivery and better DR-TB management.
Exam angle
- Portal: Ni-kshay; DBT scheme: Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (₹500 a month).
- Causative organism: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Test names: CB-NAAT, Truenat.