Tuberculosis in India: Road to Elimination | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Tuberculosis (TB)

• TB is a significant global cause of mortality, ranking above HIV/AIDS as the foremost cause of death from a single infectious agent.
• Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs but can impact other body areas.
• Transmission occurs when individuals with pulmonary TB release bacteria into the air through actions such as coughing.
• Factors influencing the TB epidemic include poverty, HIV infection, malnutrition, and smoking.
• Diagnostic tests include Rapid molecular tests, Sputum smear microscopy, and Culture-based methods.
• Untreated TB results in high mortality rates.

Global Tuberculosis Report

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global TB report annually since 1997.
• The primary objective is to offer a comprehensive assessment of the TB epidemic and advancements in its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at global, regional, and national levels.
• This evaluation is in line with recommended global TB strategies like WHO’s End TB Strategy (2016–2035) and United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Annually, 10 million people contract TB, leading to 1.5 million TB-related deaths, making it the primary infectious killer globally.
• Most TB cases are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, yet TB exists worldwide.
• Approximately half of all TB cases are found in eight countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.
• TB is the leading cause of death among individuals with HIV and significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance, ranking among the top 10 global causes of death.

India’s TB Burden

• India shoulders 30 percent of the world's TB cases, the highest burden globally, surpassing Indonesia and China.
• Tuberculosis remains a severe health challenge in India, leading to detrimental health, societal, and financial repercussions for both patients and communities.
• The country hosts an estimated 2.64 million TB patients, the largest caseload globally in absolute numbers.
• The government aims to achieve a TB-free India by 2025, which is five years ahead of the global target set for 2030.

Efforts Against TB:

• The fight against TB has gained significant visibility in recent years. Particularly, the years 2018 and 2019 were pivotal in the global and Indian efforts against TB, notably with the inaugural High-Level Meeting on TB at the United Nations.
• In India, there exists strong political will and commitment to eradicate TB. Budget allocations are gradually increasing, new social support programs have been introduced, and TB survivors are actively advocating.
• World TB Day is observed annually on March 24th.

Key Objectives for Combatting TB:

• Ramp up accessibility to prevention and treatment measures.
• Establish robust accountability mechanisms.
• Ensure sustainable and adequate funding, particularly for research purposes.
• Combat stigma and discrimination associated with TB.
• Foster an equitable, rights-based, and people-centric approach to address TB.

What should be done to achieve the set targets under End TB strategy?

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health threat globally, especially in India, where it surpasses all other infectious diseases combined, despite continuous efforts dating back to the launch of the National TB Programme in 1962. India provides free TB treatment and aims to eliminate TB by 2025, aligning with the UN's goal to achieve global TB elimination by 2030.
• To reach the set targets of reducing TB incidence by 20% and mortality by 35% by 2020 (compared to 2015), an annual decline of 4-5% in incidence is necessary, yet the current rate stands at around 2% globally. Success in meeting these targets heavily depends on India's efforts to strengthen its healthcare systems, particularly in ensuring accurate case notifications for diagnosed TB patients.
• Key initiatives include the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) since 1978, providing BCG vaccination to newborns with over 90% coverage, and the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) launched in 1993, offering free diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, a significant fund of Rs 12,000 crore has been allocated over three years to combat TB.
• Tamil Nadu, historically prominent in TB research, aims to lead in TB control efforts. The nationwide campaign "TB Harega Desh Jeetega" emphasizes the importance of collective action against TB.
• Despite these efforts, achieving the set targets requires increased funding, commitment, and comprehensive action on various fronts to effectively combat TB on a global scale.

To prevent TB:

• Administer BCG vaccination to infants.
• Practice good respiratory hygiene.
• Refrain from spitting in public places.
• Avoid exposure to damp environments.
• Wear face masks if diagnosed or infected.
• Minimize close contact with individuals who have TB.
• Follow the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) regimen for treatment compliance and supervision.