India Records Sharp Fall In TB Cases But Remains Global Epicentre

India has registered a notable reduction in tuberculosis incidence, marking a 21% decline over the past decade. Despite this progress, the country continues to account for a quarter of all new global TB cases, underscoring both the scale of the challenge and the intensity of national efforts to eliminate the disease.

Steep decline outpaces global progress

According to recent estimates, India’s TB incidence dropped from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. This reduction is nearly double the rate of decline reported globally, positioning India among high-burden nations achieving the fastest improvements. Yet the country still represented 25% of worldwide new infections, reflecting its large population and historically high caseload.

Regional burden and global distribution

Thirty high-burden countries contributed to the majority of global TB cases, with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Pakistan together forming more than half of all new infections. The South-East Asia region remained the most affected, followed by the Western Pacific and Africa.

Impact of intensified national initiatives

India’s accelerated decline is linked to expanded detection under national campaigns, the introduction of modern diagnostic tools and strengthened community engagement. Treatment coverage reached over 92% in 2024, with over 26 lakh patients diagnosed against an estimated 27 lakh cases. Missing cases dropped dramatically, and treatment success reached 90%, surpassing global averages.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India reported a 21% fall in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024.
• The country accounted for 25% of global new TB cases in 2024.
• Treatment success in India reached 90%, above the global average of 88%.
• National efforts cut “missing” TB cases from 15 lakh to under one lakh.

Challenges ahead despite strong momentum

While improved coverage and stable drug-resistant trends highlight significant gains, sustaining the trajectory will require continued investment, early detection strategies and stronger community-based support systems. The burden remains substantial, making long-term vigilance essential for reaching national elimination targets.