On the eve of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed on March 24, President Droupadi Murmu urged collective efforts to eliminate TB in India, emphasizing the role of public participation and policy intervention in tackling the disease. She lauded the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) for its continued efforts in awareness-building and disease control.
“On World Tuberculosis Day, I appreciate the National Campaign led by the NTEP, which aims to build awareness through public participation,” President Murmu said, highlighting this year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver.”
India’s Progress in TB Elimination
India has made significant strides in the fight against TB, with the WHO Global TB Report 2024 revealing a 17.7% decline in TB incidence between 2015 and 2023, more than double the global average decline. TB-related deaths have also dropped by 21.4% during the same period.
The Health Ministry reinforced the need for early detection, urging people to recognize symptoms such as persistent cough, night sweats, chest pain, and weight loss, and seek immediate medical attention.
WHO’s Updated TB Treatment Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released revised guidelines on the treatment of drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB). While the long-standing 6-month regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide remains a standard, WHO has now introduced a shorter 4-month treatment regimen, developed based on new research from 2021.
These updated guidelines are part of the End TB Strategy, which focuses on treatment accessibility, patient care, and improved adherence. WHO emphasized that with proper treatment and patient support, the success rate for DS-TB treatment can reach 85%.
A Call for Strengthened TB Eradication Efforts
With India leading the global fight against TB, experts stress the need for sustained investment, awareness, and community engagement to eliminate TB by 2025, in line with the government’s ambitious targets.
As President Murmu urged continued collaboration, healthcare authorities and organizations reaffirmed their commitment to ending TB, ensuring better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in the country.
