WHO Recognises India's Achievement in Global TB Report 2023: Health Ministry

According to the ministry, the WHO has revised TB mortality rates for India from 4.94 Lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 Lakhs in 2022, marking a substantial reduction of over 34%.

India's substantial progress in reducing tuberculosis (TB) incidence by 16% and mortality by 18% since 2015 has earned recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global TB Report 2023, said the Union Health Ministry.

The report underscores India's commendable achievements in enhancing case detection and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the TB program.

According to the ministry, treatment coverage has witnessed a significant boost, reaching 80% of estimated TB cases, indicating a remarkable 19% increase from the previous year.

India's efforts have outpaced the global decline in TB incidence, which stands at 8.7%, with a 16% reduction in TB incidence in 2022 compared to 2015. During the same period, mortality due to TB in India has also decreased by 18%.

According to the ministry, the WHO has revised TB mortality rates for India from 4.94 Lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 Lakhs in 2022, marking a substantial reduction of over 34%.

The Global TB Report 2022 initially published interim data for India, with an understanding that the WHO would collaborate with the ministry's technical team to finalise the figures. Subsequently, more than 50 meetings took place between the technical teams of the WHO and the health ministry.

During these meetings, the ministry's team presented new evidence, in-country mathematical modelling, and data from the Ni-kshay portal, which captures the lifecycle of every TB patient during treatment. The WHO team thoroughly reviewed the presented data and not only accepted but also appreciated the country's efforts.

This year's Global TB Report acknowledges and publishes the revised estimates for India, highlighting the downward revision of burden estimates, particularly TB-related mortality figures.

The report attributes India's success to intensified case detection strategies, leading to the highest-ever notification of cases in 2022, surpassing pre-COVID levels with over 24.22 Lakh TB cases notified.

Key initiatives launched and scaled up by the government, including specialised active case-finding drives, expanded molecular diagnostics to block levels, decentralisation of screening services through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and private sector engagement have played a crucial role in narrowing the gap in missing cases.

The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has garnered a tremendous response nationwide, with over 1 Lakh Ni-kshay Mitras from various backgrounds adopting more than 11 Lakh TB patients. Additionally, the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana has disbursed about INR 2,613 Cr to over 95 Lakh TB patients since its launch in 2018.

These collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives underscore India's commitment to combating TB and improving overall public health. The nation's progress reflects a resilient response to global health challenges, positioning India as a crucial player in the fight against tuberculosis.