On World TB Day, India has renewed its commitment to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest yet preventable and curable infectious diseases.

Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, TB continues to remain a serious public health challenge, especially in India, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of the global TB burden. Millions of people are affected every year, but the country has made steady gains through improved tracking, free testing, and treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme.

Experts stress that TB is fully curable if detected early and treated correctly, but several challenges continue to slow down elimination efforts. These include social stigma, delayed diagnosis, patients not completing their treatment, poor nutrition, and underlying conditions like diabetes, along with rising concerns over drug-resistant TB.

“TB is not just a medical issue, it is also a social issue. Many patients delay seeking treatment due to stigma or lack of awareness, which increases the risk of spread,” said Dr Neeraj Yadav, Senior Resident at the Department of Medicine ad RDA President, Lok Nayak Hospital, associated with Maulana Azad Medical College.

He further emphasised the importance of early detection and strict treatment adherence, adding, “If TB is diagnosed on time and patients complete their full course of treatment, it can be cured completely. Interruptions in treatment can lead to drug resistance, which is much harder to manage.”

This year’s World TB Day highlights that eliminating TB is not just the responsibility of the government but of society as a whole. Doctors advise people to seek early testing if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or night sweats, as timely action can save lives and prevent transmission.

Healthcare workers across India continue to play a critical role in screening, diagnosing, and treating patients, often under challenging conditions. Their efforts remain central to the country’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025, ahead of the global target.

With continued public awareness, better healthcare access, and community support, India is steadily moving closer to a TB-free future.