By how much percentage has the incidence rate of TB declined in India since 2015 as a result of the success of India’s National TB Elimination Program?

The correct answer is 17.7%.

In News

• The incidence rate of TB in India has dropped by 17.7% since 2015.
• TB cases notified in 2024 reached a record 26.07 lakh.

Key Points

• In 2015, the TB incidence rate was 237 cases per lakh population.
• By 2023, this incidence had decreased to 195 per lakh population.
• TB-related deaths have also declined by 21.4% during the same period.
• The number of missing TB cases has reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakh in 2023.

Additional Information

• National TB Elimination Program (NTEP)
  • India aims to eliminate TB by 2025.
  • Initiatives such as Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and TB Mukt Bharat Campaign have strengthened TB control efforts.
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana
  • Provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to TB patients.
  • Aims to improve nutrition and treatment adherence.
• Innovations in TB Detection and Treatment
  • The introduction of mBPaL treatment regimen has improved MDR-TB treatment success rates.
  • AI-based tools like DeepCXR and handheld X-ray devices are improving TB screening.
• Future Health Targets
  • India aims to eliminate Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, Measles, Rubella, and Kala-azar in the next five years.
  • Collaborations with ICMR and private partners are driving progress in disease elimination.