India TB Deaths Decline 38%: WHO Global TB Report 2026
Key points
In the News
India has achieved a 38% reduction in tuberculosis (TB) mortality between 2015 and 2025, surpassing the global decline of 35%, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on 12 November 2026.
The report also highlights India's 94% treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis, reflecting improvements in early diagnosis, treatment and healthcare support.
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when a person with pulmonary TB coughs, speaks or sneezes.
India has been implementing the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) to strengthen early detection, treatment, nutritional assistance and community participation.
Key Highlights of WHO Global TB Report 2026
38% Mortality Reduction: India's estimated TB mortality rate declined from 28 deaths per lakh population in 2015 to 18 deaths per lakh in 2025.
Global Comparison: Worldwide TB mortality declined by 35% during the same period.
Treatment Success: India achieved a 94% treatment success rate among drug-susceptible TB patients.
Global TB Burden: India accounted for approximately 25% of global TB cases in 2025.
TB Screening: More than 25 crore people were covered under intensified screening through the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Diagnostic Tests: Over 11 crore chest X-rays and 3 crore molecular tests were conducted.
Case Detection: Around 48.64 lakh TB cases were identified through intensified screening, including 14.97 lakh asymptomatic cases.
Domestic Funding: Approximately 96% of India's TB programme funding requirements are met through domestic resources.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
1. WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026
Published by the World Health Organization, the report assesses global progress in tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It estimated that 10.6 million people developed TB worldwide in 2025, while approximately 1.13 million died from the disease.
2. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
NTEP is India's flagship public health programme for TB control and elimination. It focuses on early diagnosis, free treatment, preventive care, patient monitoring and community participation.
3. Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The initiative promotes community participation in TB elimination. Under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, individuals and organisations can support TB patients through nutritional and other assistance.
4. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana
The scheme provides nutritional financial assistance to eligible TB patients during treatment to improve recovery and treatment outcomes.
5. WHO End TB Strategy
The WHO End TB Strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 95% and TB incidence by 90% by 2035, compared with 2015 levels.
6. World Tuberculosis Day
World TB Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise awareness about tuberculosis. It commemorates Dr. Robert Koch's announcement of the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium in 1882.
Quick Revision
Report: WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2026
Release Date: 12 November 2026
India's TB Mortality Reduction: 38% since 2015
Global Mortality Reduction: 35%
India's Treatment Success Rate: 94%
India's Share of Global TB Cases: Approximately 25%
National Programme: NTEP
TB-Causing Bacterium: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
World TB Day: 24 March
WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
