Why is it in the news?

• India has achieved a 16% decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence and an 18% reduction in mortality due to TB since 2015.

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• The TB incidence rate in India decreased from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 199 per lakh population in 2022, while the mortality rate dropped from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022.
• The India TB report 2024 released by the Union Health Ministry highlights the country’s target to eliminate TB by 2025 and emphasizes efforts in early detection and treatment initiation, as well as community engagement initiatives.
• Notably, 32% of TB notifications in 2023 came from the private healthcare sector, indicating a 17% increase from the previous year.
• Overall, TB case notifications have improved by over 50% in the last nine years, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar witnessing significant increases.
• The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) has accelerated efforts towards TB elimination following the COVID-19 pandemic, guided by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–25.
• The NTEP continues to provide free diagnostic services, conducting approximately 1.89 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) in 2023.
• Additionally, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana offers financial support to TB patients, with around ₹2,781 crore disbursed to approximately one crore beneficiaries.
• More than 1.5 lakh Nikshay Mitras have pledged to support persons affected by TB, reflecting community involvement in the fight against the disease.