Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a disease which continues to impact millions globally. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is working towards eliminating TB five years ahead of the global 2030 target. This is an ambitious time frame. How well-positioned is India to achieve this?
A macro view suggests that India has done exceptionally well so far. A strong political intent is driving the right policies. In fact, in November 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged India’s success on two major fronts: in reducing TB incidence by 16% from 2015 to 2022 (close to double the pace at which global TB incidence is declining) and in reducing TB mortality by 18% during the same period, keeping in line with the global trend.
