India slashes TB mortality by 38% in decade-long battle against disease

India's tuberculosis control programme has delivered measurable results, with death rates from the infectious disease declining by 38 percent over the past decade, the WHO's Global Tuberculosis Report 2026 has revealed. The progress reflects sustained investments in diagnosis, treatment and prevention across the nation's healthcare system.

Globally, tuberculosis claimed approximately 1.13 million lives in the previous year, with the disease continuing to pose a significant burden across developing economies. Despite improvements in India's response to the epidemic, TB remains a leading cause of mortality from infectious diseases in the country, particularly in high-burden regions.

The decline in mortality rates demonstrates the effectiveness of India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, which has expanded access to diagnostics and standardized treatment regimens across urban and rural settings. The country's efforts to strengthen surveillance systems and enhance case detection have also contributed to the downward trajectory.

Public health experts attribute the progress to coordinated action involving government health departments, private healthcare providers and non-governmental organizations. However, challenges remain, including treatment completion rates and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis variants. Continued focus on early detection and adherence to treatment protocols will be essential to sustaining momentum in reducing TB burden further.