India has recorded a 38% reduction in tuberculosis (TB) deaths since 2015, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global TB Report 2026.
The report shows that the country’s TB mortality rate declined from 280 deaths per million people in 2015 to 180 deaths per million in 2025. The reduction is slightly higher than the global average decline of 35% recorded over the same period.
India Continues to Account for the World’s Largest TB Burden
Despite the improvement in mortality figures, India remains the country with the highest tuberculosis burden globally.
The country accounted for 25% of all reported TB cases worldwide in 2025. India is among eight countries that collectively contributed 67% of the global caseload.
Other major contributors include Indonesia, which accounted for 10% of cases, the Philippines with 6.8%, and China with 6.5%.
WHO and Indian Authorities Review Updated Disease Estimates
The WHO, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and India’s Central TB Division are reviewing district-level sentinel surveillance (DLSS) data to refine the country’s tuberculosis estimates.
The assessment follows a nationally representative prevalence survey conducted by the ICMR-NIRT.
Updated estimates on India’s TB incidence trends are expected to be released in early 2027.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Remains a Major Concern
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) continues to present a significant challenge for India’s healthcare system.
India is one of four countries that together accounted for more than 50% of global MDR-TB cases in 2025. However, the WHO and the Union Health Ministry have reported a gradual decline in the incidence of drug-resistant strains.
Government Credits Treatment and Screening Programmes for Progress
India’s Union Health Ministry attributed the reduction in tuberculosis deaths to a patient-centred approach, reporting a treatment success rate of 94%.
The government also highlighted the contribution of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which has expanded screening activities to more than 250 million people.
The campaign has involved 110 million chest X-rays and 30 million molecular tests. These activities led to the detection of 4.86 million TB cases, including 1.49 million cases among people who showed no symptoms.
Domestic Funding Supports India’s TB Elimination Efforts
The WHO acknowledged India’s reliance on domestic resources to finance its tuberculosis programmes, noting that 96% of programme requirements are covered through internal funding.
The Union Health Ministry identified several interventions contributing to the country’s response, including the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), artificial intelligence-enabled X-rays and nutritional assistance programmes.
These include the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra initiatives, which provide support to people receiving TB treatment.
India Plans to Expand Diagnosis and Treatment Access
The government has outlined plans to strengthen tuberculosis control through wider access to quality diagnostic services, faster treatment initiation and increased community participation.
These measures will form part of ongoing efforts to reduce the country’s disease burden and improve treatment outcomes.
