Decline in Tuberculosis & India’s Eradication Efforts

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest and most dangerous infectious diseases in the world. This disease, which spreads through air, was once responsible for a high number of deaths. However, due to medical advancements and government initiatives, the TB burden in India is gradually decreasing.

1. Scientific Background of Tuberculosis

Causative agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Discovered by: Robert Koch
March 24: World TB Day

Symptoms:
Persistent cough
Fever
Weight loss

👉 Air-borne disease

2. History of TB Control in India

(a) Initial Phase:
1962 – National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP)
Early detection of the disease

(b) Revised Programme:
1997 – Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP)
DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment) strategy

(c) Recent Development:
2020 – National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Target to eliminate TB by 2025

3. Treatment Advancements

Earlier: Treatment duration was about 2 years
Now: Around 6 months (168 days)
Medicines provided at home

👉 Strengthening of Public Health System (PHCs, Government Hospitals)

4. Social and Health Linkages

High-risk groups:
Diabetes patients
HIV/AIDS patients
Smoking / Alcohol consumption
Low immunity

👉 Social determinants of health are very important

5. Government Welfare Schemes

(a) Nikshay Mitra:
Adoption of TB patients with nutritional support

(b) Nutritional Support:
₹1000 per month financial assistance

👉 Nutrition + Treatment = Recovery

6. Statistical Progress

Death Rate:
2015 → 28 / 1 lakh
2024 → 21 / 1 lakh

Prevalence:
2015 → 237 / 1 lakh
2024 → 187 / 1 lakh

👉 This is a Public Health Success Indicator

7. Role of Tamil Nadu (Static Link)

Tambaram Sanatorium (1928) – TB treatment center
One of Asia’s major chest disease hospitals
C. Muthu – Pioneer in TB medicine

8. Current Challenges

Under-reporting of cases
Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB)
Lack of social awareness

Conclusion / Way Forward

Eliminating TB completely is a major public health goal of India. Only through a combination of medical advancements, nutritional support, and social awareness can the TB-free India by 2025 target be achieved. Like polio eradication, TB elimination requires coordinated and sustained efforts.