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India's TB mortality fell 38% between 2015 and 2025, against a global decline of 35%, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, the Union Health Minister said on 13 November 2026.
Why in news
- On 13 November 2026 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted findings of the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026.
- WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) said India is making a significant contribution to reducing TB mortality in the region.
What does the report show?
The mortality rate declined from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025. The treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB is 94%, which the Ministry links to better diagnosis, timely treatment and patient follow-up.
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan began as an intensified 100-day campaign in December 2024, was expanded nationwide and was followed by a further intensified campaign in March 2026.
Fact table
| Indicator | Figure in release |
|---|---|
| Fall in TB mortality since 2015 | 38% (global decline 35%) |
| Mortality rate | 28 per lakh in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025 |
| Treatment success, drug-susceptible TB | 94% |
| People covered by screening | Over 25 crore |
| Chest X-rays; molecular tests | 11 crore+; 3 crore+ |
| TB cases detected | 48.64 lakh, about 15 lakh asymptomatic |
| Panchayats declared TB-free in 2025 | 67,933 |
| Programme funding from domestic sources | 96% |
Static link-back
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) runs the national response.
- Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana gives nutritional assistance; Ni-kshay Mitras give community support.
- Health is a GS-II governance topic and links to WHO targets.
Why does it matter?
- Detecting nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic cases shows that proactive screening finds infections early and limits spread.
- AI-enabled portable chest X-rays and rapid molecular tests support early diagnosis.
- The JOSH Teams initiative brings together officials, NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers.
- 96% of programme funding is met from domestic resources.
Uttar Pradesh angle
TB care runs through the National TB Elimination Programme in every State, so Uttar Pradesh districts deliver screening, Ni-kshay Poshan support and Ni-kshay Mitra help like other States. For GS-II and GS-V, the point to remember is that health is delivered by States with Union support. State-wise TB data should be read from the Ministry or the state health department.
Likely confusions
- TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (screening campaign) is not the NTEP (the national programme).
- A 38% mortality fall since 2015 is not the same as a fall in TB cases.
Key Terms
- NTEP
- National TB Elimination Programme.
- Ni-kshay
- Digital platform for TB case management.
- Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana
- Nutritional support for TB patients.
- Ni-kshay Mitra
- Volunteer supporter of a TB patient.
- Asymptomatic TB
- TB infection without typical symptoms.
- JOSH Teams
- Community engagement teams of officials, NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers.
UPPSC syllabus: GS-II
FAQs
What does the WHO report say about India?
It shows a 38% fall in TB mortality since 2015 and a 94% treatment success rate, per the Ministry release.
Sources: PIB: Union Health Minister highlights India's progress in reducing TB mortality
Last verified: 2026-11-14
