WHO Praises India's ‘Encouraging Gains’ Against Tuberculosis: What To Watch For, How To Stay Protected

The Global TB Report 2025 released by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that India's TB incidence has reduced from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024, i.e 21 per cent. And in the same period, TB mortality rate was decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh population in 2024, i.e 25 per cent.

Following certain reports claiming that India's target to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 has failed, the Central TB Division have confirmed, according to the latest available data, the country has achieved a significant decline in TB incidents and mortality.

The Global TB Report 2025 released by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that India's TB incidence has reduced from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024, i.e 21 per cent. And in the same period, TB mortality rate was decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh population in 2024, i.e 25 per cent.

WHO Praises India's 'Encouraging Gains' Against Tuberculosis

Talking about the progress, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHFW) stated, "This progress has been achieved through strong government commitment evidenced by a historic near-ten-fold increase in government funding to the TB programme over last 09 years."

In a recent statement, the global health organization lauds India for making "encouraging gains" in the fight against TB. The statement reads, "Several countries demonstrated encouraging gains. Bangladesh, India, and Thailand notified a large proportion of estimated cases, narrowing detection gaps."

What Is Tuberculosis?

WHO states that TB is the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. In 2024 alone, about 1.23 million people died from Tuberculosis across the globe, which makes it the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) states, "Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health challenge; the World Health Organization has set an ambitious goal to reduce TB incidence by 90% between 2015 and 2035. However, TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention present considerable difficulties. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, TB was the most prevalent infectious disease worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB, has plagued humanity for millennia."

"TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings," the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states. "These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment."

Signs And Symptoms Of Tuberculosis

Detecting signs and symptoms in you and others is crucial when taking steps to protect yourself from TB. Here are some common signs people with Tuberculosis show:

• Prolonged cough (sometimes with blood)
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

How To Stay Protected From Tuberculosis

To protect yourself from the infection and spread, check out the following tips outlined by the WHO:

• Keep your indoor space well-ventilated to reduce infection.
• People who have TB must maintain a good hygiene when coughing and must avoid close contact with other people to prevent spreading.
• If you experience prolonged cough, fever and unexplained weight loss then seek medical attention. The global health organization states that early treatment for TB can stop the spread and improve your chances of recovery.
• Consult with your doctor before taking TB preventive treatment (or TPT)
• Prioritize TB screening if you have a chance of getting TB for living in the same house as someone who have TB.

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