India’s TB successes — and the long road ahead, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• India aims to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, ahead of the global target.
• In 2024, India recorded over 27 lakh TB cases.
• Since 2015, India has achieved a 21% reduction in TB incidence and a 28% decline in TB deaths in the past nine years.
• India's healthcare system can now diagnose over 80% of estimated TB cases, a significant increase from 2015.

Detailed Insights:

• Despite progress, reports indicate India is not on track to meet the 2025 TB elimination target.
• The increase in reported cases reflects improved detection rates rather than a surge in infections.
• Initiatives like the bPaLM regimen have reduced treatment time for multi-drug resistant TB.
• Addressing factors like pollution and diabetes, which worsen TB outcomes, is crucial for further progress.
• Patient adherence to complete TB therapy remains a significant challenge in combating the disease.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Tuberculosis (TB): An infectious disease caused by bacteria, typically affecting the lungs.
• Multi-Drug Resistant TB: A form of TB that does not respond to standard treatments.
• bPaLM regimen: A shortened treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB.