WHO Confirms India’s Achievement In Decreasing TB Incidents

The World Health Organization‘s (WHO) ‘Global TB Report 2023‘ highlighted that India’s commitment to combating tuberculosis (TB) has yielded impressive results. The Union Health Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, emphasized the significant progress made by India in case detection and the overall impact on the TB program.

Improvements in Case Detection

• The WHO’s ‘Global TB Report 2023’ lauds India’s efforts in improving case detection, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The report notes that India has successfully reversed the impact of COVID-19 on the TB program, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare system.

TB Treatment Coverage Reaches 80%

• One of the notable achievements outlined in the report is the improvement in TB treatment coverage.
• According to the data, India has reached a treatment coverage of 80% for estimated TB cases.
• This marks a significant increase of 19% compared to the previous year, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s TB treatment programs.

Reduction in TB Incidence and Mortality

• India’s relentless efforts have led to a remarkable reduction in TB incidence and mortality.
• The report reveals that TB incidence in India has decreased by 16% from 2015 to 2022, nearly double the global decline rate of 8.7%.
• Additionally, TB mortality has seen an 18% reduction during the same period, contributing to the global decline in TB-related deaths.

Downward Revision of Mortality Rates

• The WHO has revised its TB mortality rates for India, acknowledging the country’s achievements.
• The mortality rates have been revised from 4.94 lakh in 2021 to 3.31 lakh in 2022, representing a reduction of over 34%.
• This downward revision reflects the collaborative efforts between the WHO and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, as they work together to finalize the figures.

Record-Breaking Case Notification in 2022

• India’s proactive case detection strategies have yielded unprecedented results.
• The report highlights that 2022 saw the highest-ever notification of TB cases in India, with over 24.22 lakh cases reported.
• This surpasses pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s intensified case detection initiatives.

Key Initiatives Driving Progress

• Several key initiatives launched and scaled up by the Indian government have played a crucial role in the fight against TB.
• These initiatives include active case finding drives, the scaling up of molecular diagnostics at the block level, decentralization of screening services through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and enhanced engagement with the private sector.
• Together, these measures have significantly bridged the gap in identifying and addressing missing TB cases.

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