India Records 38% Decline in TB Mortality and 94% Treatment Success Rate

India had a 38% reduction in Tuberculosis deaths in comparison to 35% globally. This has been achieved due to increased screening, early diagnosis, tech-based solutions and dietary support. According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, India achieved this through 94% success rate in treating TB patients. These improvements have been made through increased screening, early diagnosis, tech-based solutions and dietary support.

Key Findings of WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026

The report outlines that India has made great improvements since 2015.

Please note that the 94% success rate in treating TB patients is only for those suffering with Drug susceptible TB.

National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)

The National TB Elimination Programme is a flagship programme to prevent and control TB. It was introduced in 2020 by renaming the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).

Key features include,

• Identification of TB cases at an early stage through increased screening.
• Early diagnosis through molecular diagnostic tests.
• AI-based chest x-rays to identify those potentially suffering with TB.
• Immediate treatment of patients and targeted treatment of vulnerable patients.
• Government-led programmes to provide diet and financial support.
• Community involvement to increase awareness, screening and support.

TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Increased Screening

The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has become a key initiative to help discover TB cases.

The campaign has achieved the following results,

Metric	Results
Increased Screening	+25 crore
Chest X-Rays	+11.1 crore
Molecular Diagnostic Testing	+3.1 crore
TB Cases Identified	48.64 lakh
Asymptomatic TB Cases Identified	14.97 lakh

This campaign includes mobile screening, chest x-ray and molecular testing along with community outreach.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It most commonly affects the lungs however can impact other areas of the body such as the brain, kidney and bones.

It is transferred through the air when an individual with infectious pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes or speaks and releases bacteria.

Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, tiredness and lack of appetite.

Diagnosed through sputum, molecular and chest x-ray tests.

Treated with a combination of Anti-TB medications.

Global TB Statistics

According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026,

• An estimated 10.6 million people worldwide developed TB in 2025.
• Approximately 1.13 million people died from TB in 2025.
• TB deaths globally reduced by 35% between 2015-25.