India Reports 38% Decline in Estimated TB Deaths Between 2015 and 2025

India’s estimated tuberculosis deaths fell 38% between 2015 and 2025, while the mortality rate dropped from 28 to 18 per lakh population, according to the Union health ministry. The World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2026 says India reached its first 35% mortality-reduction milestone under the End TB Strategy in 2025, five years after the original 2020 deadline. The ministry reported a 94% treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB, citing intensified case-finding, rapid molecular diagnostics, AI-enabled portable chest X-rays, timely treatment and nutritional support. The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan identified nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic cases. Drug-resistant TB remains a challenge: 42% of an estimated 3.7 lakh global rifampicin-resistant cases were enrolled on treatment in 2025.