Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis: According to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India continues to lead in the global TB burden (26% of cases) and is also the hub for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and TB deaths.

• Global status: TB remains the leading infectious disease killer globally in 2023.
• End TB Targets (2030): 90% reduction in deaths, 80% reduction in new cases, and zero TB-affected families facing catastrophic costs.
• India’s Commitment: Pledged to achieve End TB targets by 2025, but COVID-19 delayed progress.
• Global Burden Leader: India accounts for 26% of global TB cases and is a hub for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and TB deaths.
• Vulnerable Groups in India: Miners, stone carvers, undernourished individuals, and those with co-morbidities like diabetes, migrant workers.
• Factors: Undernutrition, overcrowding, silicosis, and lack of multisectoral actions.
• Extra-pulmonary TB (EP-TB): Affects organs beyond lungs; 24% of notified cases but often missed due to vague symptoms.
• Diagnosis Issues: Reluctance to notify TB, reliance on advanced tests, and lack of training among doctors delay diagnosis.
• Resource Constraints: Expensive molecular tests (e.g., CBNAAT, Truenat) are available mostly at district levels with operational gaps.