India records 38% decline in TB deaths since 2015, WHO report finds

The Union Health Ministry said the findings reflected India's progress towards eliminating TB through early detection, timely treatment, technology and patient care. India's estimated TB mortality rate fell from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025.

The WHO report used evidence from several sources to estimate TB deaths. These included the Registrar General of India's Sample Registration System, community-based assessments of causes of death and data from the Ni-kshay portal.

According to the ministry statement cited by PTI, the decline in deaths followed stronger measures under the National TB Elimination Programme. These included active case detection, artificial intelligence-enabled X-rays, rapid tests, prompt treatment, care based on patients' needs and nutritional assistance under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra initiative.

The programme also used artificial intelligence tools to identify TB hotspots and patients at greater risk of poor outcomes. Other tools include the Khushi-AI Chatbot and Avatar Videobot.

The ministry said the 94 per cent treatment success rate showed the effectiveness



of patient-centred care, improved treatment delivery and continued support for people affected by TB.

It said the campaign against TB had developed into a nationwide public movement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, involving government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and citizens. The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has expanded community screening, AI-enabled chest X-rays, rapid molecular tests, preventive treatment and nutritional support, particularly for vulnerable groups.

India meets 96 per cent of its TB programme funding requirements through domestic resources, reflecting continued national investment and participation across government and society, the ministry said.

The Health Ministry said the progress highlighted in the WHO report followed continued investment in public health, technology, disease monitoring and community-led measures. It said the government would continue to expand screening and access to quality tests, ensure prompt treatment and preventive care, provide nutritional assistance and deepen community participation to build on the decline in TB deaths and improve treatment outcomes.