New Delhi: India may be making progress against tuberculosis, but the scale of the challenge remains grave – it accounts for almost a quarter of the world’s TB cases, while millions of infections go undetected.According to the Tuberculosis Fact Sheet 2026 released by the Centre, tuberculosis remains India’s biggest infectious disease challenge. India contributes about 25% of the global TB burden, with five countries accounting for more than half of the total cases worldwide.At the national launch event of World TB Day 2026 in Greater Noida, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said India is on the path to eliminate TB ahead of the global targets, driven by the “Jan Bhagidari” approach under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. They cited a 21% decline in TB incidence and 25% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2024, with treatment coverage now at 92%.Recent data supports this trend. Treatment success rates have improved to nearly 90%, while more than 26 lakh cases were notified in 2024, the highest ever, reflecting strong detection efforts.A major boost has come from the TB Free India campaign, which has focused on identifying hidden and high-risk cases. More than 20 crore people have been tested, resulting in detection of more than 32 lakh TB patients, including a large number of asymptomatic cases. Nadda said that due to intensive case finding, the unknown cases have reduced from 10 lakh to less than one lakh.He also announced the launch of an AI-enabled TB Mukt Bharat app to improve access to care and treatment tracking, as well as a 100-day intensive campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards.The factsheet highlights that TB is closely linked to poverty, malnutrition and living conditions, with economically vulnerable populations at greater risk. People with diabetes, HIV, smokers, alcohol abusers and those who live in crowded areas are particularly susceptible. At the same time, drug-resistant TB remains a concern, with more than 55,000 cases expected in 2024, requiring longer and more complex treatments.Despite progress, shortcomings remain. About 64% of people with TB symptoms do not seek care due to stigma, lack of awareness or affordability issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.

To address this, the government has combined community outreach with technology. Initiatives like the Ni-Kshaya Mitra program have mobilized volunteers to provide nutrition and social support, while digital tools like the TB Free India app are helping streamline care.Emphasizing on increased funding and indigenous innovations like TrueNet, Nadda said TB is both preventable and curable, stressing the need to reduce stigma and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.Health officials underline that symptoms of TB go beyond a persistent cough and can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain and night sweats, making prompt testing important.