New cases of tuberculosis emerging yearly in India dipped by 21% from 2015-2024; mortality due to TB dropped by 25% during the same period. 

• As per, World TB Report 2025, India carries the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world (25% TB patients).

Initiative helped in Reducing TB Burden 

• PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: A mass movement with focus on early detection, community participation, and patient support.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana: It provides Direct Benefit Transfer to TB patients, improving treatment adherence.
• Ni-kshay Mitra: It promotes community-driven support through volunteers providing nutritional and social assistance to TB patients.
• TB-Free Urban Ward Initiative: It aims to replicate successful TB-free Gram Panchayat models in urban areas.
• BPaLM Treatment Regimen: A new shorter drug regimen introduced for drug-resistant TB to reduce treatment duration to around 6 months improving outcomes.
• AI-Led Initiatives: E.g., DeepCXR (Chest X-ray), Automated reading of digital X-rays to identify nodules/cavities for presumptive TB cases.

About Tuberculosis (TB)  It is a contagious airborne disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is preventable and curable. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other organs such as the brain and kidneys. Transmission: It spreads through air via coughs, sneezes, or close contact with an infected person. India has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate TB by 2025 in line with the global SDG target 3.3.