On March 24, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda marked World TB Day 2026 during a national event in Greater Noida, emphasizing India’s dedication to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) ahead of global targets. The observance, which takes place annually on this date, serves to catalyze international actions aimed at reducing this severe infectious disease, with this year’s theme being “Yes! We Can End TB!” This theme seeks to inspire collective action and increase momentum towards a TB-free world, showcasing India’s role in fostering a comprehensive approach to TB elimination.

Significant Progress in India’s TB Response

Nadda described the occasion as an opportunity for reflection and a renewed commitment to achieving a TB-Mukt Bharat. He highlighted that, over the past decade, the response to TB in India has transformed into a people-centric movement characterized by innovation, equity, and robust political backing. The Minister pointed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which has shifted the focus of TB elimination from a whole-of-government strategy to one that actively involves society, thus accelerating progress and fostering shared ownership of the initiative.

Achievements in Tuberculosis Control

During his speech, Nadda highlighted notable achievements, including a 21% reduction in TB incidence and a 25% drop in mortality rates over the past ten years, both surpassing global averages. The coverage of TB treatments has reached 92%, with the number of undetected cases decreasing from over one million per year to fewer than 100,000, underscoring the effectiveness of intensified case-finding strategies. Notably, nearly half of TB patients do not show typical symptoms, prompting the implementation of symptom-agnostic screening methods.

Intensified Efforts with New Initiatives

The Minister introduced the intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, initially launched in 347 districts and now expanded nationwide. This program has integrated advanced diagnostic tools, including portable X-rays and AI-powered testing, to improve case detection. Since the campaign’s inception in December 2024, over 200 million individuals from high-risk groups have been screened, resulting in the identification of 3.265 million TB patients, including approximately 1.09 million who were asymptomatic during testing. This advancement is regarded as a critical leap in India’s strategy to eliminate TB.

Next Steps in TB Elimination Campaign

The Union Health Minister announced the commencement of a focused 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign, aimed at further accelerating efforts towards TB elimination. The initiative will target 158,000 villages and urban wards, utilizing localized micro-plans for effective implementation and measurable results. It is designed to address the needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring the accessibility of TB services and enhancing early detection efforts.

Innovations in Treatment and Digital Outreach

Additionally, Nadda highlighted significant advancements in TB treatment protocols, with the BPaLM regimen for drug-resistant TB reducing the treatment timeframe from 20 to six months. On the digital front, the launch of the TB Mukt Bharat App, featuring “Khushi,” an AI-enabled chatbot, aims to provide multilingual support on symptoms and diagnostic facilities, improving access to care even on basic smartphones. In terms of funding, government investment in TB elimination efforts has dramatically increased, from ₹640 crore in 2015-16 to ₹6,356 crore in 2025-26, supporting advancements in diagnostics and treatment methodologies.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Nadda acknowledged the significant role of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), now recognized as a global leader in TB research. He highlighted the collaborative approach of engaging over 24 ministries, 30,000 elected representatives, and over 716,000 Ni-kshay Mitras in the nationwide campaign to eliminate TB. Emphasizing the importance of addressing stigma, the Minister reiterated that TB is both preventable and treatable, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and community engagement in the fight against the disease.

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