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New Delhi, December 8, 2024
As India intensifies its efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the transformative impact of the Nikshay Mitra initiative and other government measures that have significantly reduced the prevalence of the infectious disease.
Speaking on social media platform X, PM Modi emphasized the importance of shorter, effective treatment regimens and community-driven interventions like Nikshay Mitras. “Initiatives like Nikshay Mitras and shorter, effective treatments have significantly reduced TB incidence, improved recovery rates, and reinforced India’s global leadership in combating TB,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s statement came in response to a post by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, who highlighted several ongoing initiatives. These include the ambitious 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, enhanced nutritional support through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and targeted strategies to improve outcomes in high-burden districts.
The 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, which was officially launched by Nadda in Panchkula, Haryana on Saturday, aims to accelerate progress in fighting TB. It focuses on improving case detection, reducing diagnostic delays, and enhancing treatment success, particularly among vulnerable populations. The campaign spans 347 districts across 33 states and Union Territories and is seen as a cornerstone of India’s TB eradication strategy.
Declining TB Incidence and Mortality Rates
India has made substantial progress in reducing TB incidence and related mortality. According to Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, the incidence rate of TB has dropped by 17.7%, from 237 cases per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 cases per 100,000 in 2023. Similarly, TB-related deaths have declined by 21.4% during the same period, from 28 per lakh to 22 per lakh population.
Patel also noted a significant increase in TB case notifications, which rose from 18.05 lakh in 2020 to 25.52 lakh in 2023. This improvement reflects better diagnostic capacity and a strengthened healthcare response.
Community Engagement Through Nikshay Mitras
The Nikshay Mitra initiative, which connects volunteers with TB patients for personalized support, has been instrumental in addressing the nutritional and emotional needs of patients. Coupled with the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides financial assistance for nutrition, these efforts have contributed to faster recovery rates and reduced treatment default cases.
The government’s comprehensive approach, combining innovative campaigns, community-driven initiatives, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure, underscores its commitment to achieving a TB-free India by 2025.
India’s progress in combating TB has been hailed globally, setting a precedent for high-burden countries striving to eliminate the disease. With sustained efforts, experts believe India is well-positioned to meet its ambitious TB elimination goals.
