India Reaffirms Mission for TB-Mukt Bharat at World TB Day 2025 Summit: A Nationwide Push for Elimination

Shri Nadda commended ICMR’s pioneering research and India’s standing as a top global funder for TB research, asserting that innovation remains central to the national TB control strategy.

In a resounding call for unity and collective action, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, declared India’s unwavering commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) during his keynote address at the World TB Day 2025 Summit held in New Delhi. The summit, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” showcased India’s remarkable achievements under the recently concluded 100 Days Intensified TB Elimination Campaign and outlined the road ahead to achieve a TB-Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India).

“Whole of Society, Whole of Government” Approach

Speaking at the summit, Shri Nadda emphasized the necessity of a multi-sectoral, all-inclusive strategy: “Our TB elimination strategy is based on a ‘whole of the society’ and ‘whole of the government’ approach. The fight against TB cannot be won by the health sector alone. It demands cooperation across ministries, communities, and every individual.”

Campaign Milestones: Reaching the Unreached

The Union Minister highlighted the remarkable milestones achieved during the 100 Days Intensified TB Elimination Campaign, including:

• Deployment of mobile handheld X-ray units and Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) via Nikshay Vahans to remote areas, thereby overcoming logistical and geographical challenges.
• Organization of over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs (community screening and awareness camps), bringing vital screening and TB-related services to crores of people.
• Screening of 12.97 crore individuals, leading to the detection of 7.19 lakh new TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases who might have otherwise remained undiagnosed.
• Increase in TB treatment coverage from 59% to 85%, marking a major step forward in India’s public health mission.

Massive Community and Political Mobilization

Shri Nadda praised the unprecedented participation from public representatives and grassroots institutions:

• More than 30,000 elected representatives including 5,000+ MLAs and 10,000 Gram Panchayats took part in the campaign.
• Active involvement of 22 line ministries, demonstrating cohesive inter-ministerial support for TB elimination.
• Registration of over 1,05,181 new Ni-kshay Mitras, individuals and organizations voluntarily supporting TB patients.
• Distribution of 3,06,368 food baskets to TB patients and their families, supporting their nutrition and recovery.

Technology and Innovation at the Forefront

A key highlight of the summit was the focus on technology and innovation:

• Adaptation of RT-PCR machines, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, for TB detection.
• Use of AI-supported handheld X-ray machines, significantly enhancing the identification of asymptomatic cases.
• Indigenous development of multi-test diagnostic kits by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), capable of conducting 32 TB tests simultaneously, cutting both costs and turnaround time.

Shri Nadda commended ICMR’s pioneering research and India’s standing as a top global funder for TB research, asserting that innovation remains central to the national TB control strategy.

Strengthening Differentiated Care for High-Risk Groups

On the occasion, the Health Minister also launched the ‘Guidance Document on Differentiated TB Care’, aimed at ensuring personalized treatment plans for high-risk TB patients, including:

• Individuals suffering from severe undernutrition.
• Patients with respiratory insufficiencies or chronic co-morbidities like diabetes and HIV.
• Vulnerable populations, including those with a history of TB or close contact with TB patients.

This differentiated care model focuses on triaging, early intervention, and streamlined referrals, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing mortality.

Digital Showcase and State-Level Recognitions

The event also saw the unveiling of a Digital Coffee Table Book on TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, featuring photographs and stories from the grassroots to illustrate the campaign’s reach and human impact. Additionally, awards were presented to States and Union Territories for their outstanding performance in the 100 Days campaign and the TB Mukt Gram Panchayat Initiative.

Voices from Leadership

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, echoed the call for continued momentum: “World TB Day is a day to reflect on our journey and realign our mission. Elimination is possible, but only if we keep up this level of collective effort.”

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR; Dr. Atul Goel, DGHS; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, NHM; along with senior health officials, WHO representatives, TB Champions, and civil society organizations were present, underscoring the broad coalition behind India’s fight against TB.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Nationwide

Citing the success of the 100 Days campaign, Shri Nadda announced plans to scale the campaign across all districts in India, emphasizing that “TB is not over yet. Our mission continues, and we will intensify efforts until TB is eliminated from every corner of the country.”

India’s TB elimination journey is now being seen not just as a national goal but as a global model for integrated, community-led, and innovation-driven disease control. With sustained efforts, robust infrastructure, and the power of collective will, India marches steadily toward the vision of a TB-Mukt Bharat by 2025.