World TB Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB)—one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. The day marks the historic discovery of the TB bacillus by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, which paved the way for TB diagnosis and treatment.

Despite medical advancements, TB remains a global health crisis. According to India TB Report 2024, India accounts for a significant portion of global TB cases and has set an ambitious TB eradication target by 2025 under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).

The World TB Day 2025 theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.” This theme emphasizes the need for collective commitment, sufficient investment, and immediate action to eliminate tuberculosis worldwide.

What is World TB Day?

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic impact of tuberculosis. This day celebrates the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, which paved the way for diagnosing and treating the disease effectively.

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World TB Day 2025 Theme

Every year, World TB Day carries a unique theme to emphasize different aspects of TB awareness and eradication. The World TB Day 2025 theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”

This theme highlights the global commitment to eliminating TB by encouraging:

• Commitment from policymakers, healthcare workers, and communities to implement effective TB control measures.
• Investment in research, technology, and healthcare systems to improve TB diagnosis and treatment.
• Delivery of high-quality TB care services, especially for drug-resistant TB patients, ensuring no one is left behind.

What is TB Disease?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, making it highly contagious.

Symptoms of TB Disease

• Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
• Chest pain and difficulty in breathing
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Fever, night sweats, and chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Coughing up blood or mucus

TB can be categorized into two forms:

• Latent TB – The bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms.
• Active TB – The infection multiplies and causes severe illness.

How is Tuberculosis Treated?

TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a 6-9 month period. Some of the commonly prescribed TB medications include:

• Isoniazid (Hyzyd®)
• Rifampin (Rifadin®)
• Ethambutol (Myambutol®)
• Pyrazinamide (Zinamide®)

For drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), newer drugs such as Bedaquiline and Delamanid are used, offering shorter treatment durations and better success rates.

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TB Prevention Measures

• BCG vaccination (administered at birth)
• Early detection and screening in high-risk groups
• Improving nutrition to enhance immunity
• Better ventilation and hygiene in crowded places
• Expanding access to TB preventive therapy (TPT)

TB Cases in India

India has the highest TB burden in the world, accounting for nearly 28% of global TB cases. According to the India TB Report 2024, India’s TB incidence has seen a 17.7% decline from 2015 to 2023, exceeding the global average decline of 8.3%.

TB Statistics in India (2023-2024)

•  2.4 million new TB cases reported in India.
• Over 6.1 lakh TB patients were notified in 33 states & UTs under the 100-day TB elimination campaign.
• 4.3 lakh cases were diagnosed from high-risk districts.
• TB mortality was reduced by 18% compared to 2015 levels.

Which State in India Has the Most TB Cases?

As per the India TB Report 2024, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar report the highest number of TB cases. These states have a high population density, inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and delayed diagnosis, contributing to the rising TB burden.

TB Elimination Program in India

To combat TB, India launched the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) (formerly RNTCP) under the National Health Mission. This program follows WHO guidelines to provide free TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services.

Key Initiatives under NTEP

• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: ₹3,697 crore disbursed to 1.24 crore TB patients for nutritional support.
• Ni-kshay Mitra Scheme: Community-based initiative where individuals/organizations adopt TB patients for support.
• 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Nationwide campaign targeting high-risk populations using portable X-ray screenings.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA): A mission to eliminate TB in India by 2025 through improved screening, treatment, and awareness campaigns.
• Strengthened Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) Management: Introduction of shorter, all-oral regimens to treat multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

TB Eradication Target India

India is committed to achieving the “TB-Free India” goal by 2025, five years ahead of the global target (2030) set under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

TB Elimination Targets for India (2025)

• 80% reduction in TB incidence (compared to 2015 levels).
• 90% reduction in TB mortality.
• Zero catastrophic expenses for TB-affected households.

The One World TB Summit 2023 in Varanasi supported India’s commitment to ending TB through innovation, early detection, and community participation.

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Challenges in Achieving TB Eradication in India

Despite progress, several barriers hinder TB elimination in India:

1. Delayed Diagnosis: Many TB cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to community transmission.
2. Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB): Inadequate adherence to TB treatment has led to the rise of multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
3. Social Stigma: Many TB patients face discrimination, leading to reluctance to seek timely treatment.
4. Limited Healthcare Access: Rural areas lack proper diagnostic facilities, delaying treatment.
5. Co-infections: Conditions like HIV, diabetes, and malnutrition increase TB vulnerability, requiring integrated health interventions.

India’s Progress in TB Control

Despite challenges, India has made remarkable progress in TB control:

• 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023 (higher than the global average of 8.3%)
• Introduction of shorter, more effective TB drug regimens
• Expansion of TB preventive therapy (TPT) for high-risk populations

The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme, provides financial aid to TB patients for nutrition support. Over ₹3,697 crore has been disbursed to 1.24 crore TB patients since 2018.

Conclusion

World TB Day 2025 acts as a reminder of the urgent need to end TB worldwide. While India has made significant progress, the goal of TB eradication by 2025 requires strong political commitment, innovative healthcare strategies, and increased financial investment. By focusing on early detection, quality treatment, and community support, India can achieve its TB-free vision and lead global efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.

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