According to a study, India has the highest burden of TB globally, and the disease is responsible for killing about 480,000 people every year and more than 1400 every day in the country. WHO states that a total of 1.6 million people died from TB in 2021 (including 187 000 people with HIV). Globally, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS).
TB is spread from person to person via the air. When infected people cough, sneeze or spit, they release TB germs into the air. Anyone who inhales even a few of these germs can become infected.
