Lok Sabha Question No. 2065 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Global Tuberculosis Report 2024
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2065 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th DECEMBER, 2024

## GLOBALTUBERCULOSIS REPORT 2024

## 2065. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of India's high tuberculosis (TB) burden, with the country accounting for 26 per cent of global TB cases in 2023, as reported in the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to address the high relapse rate of TB cases, especially among men and measures to increase TB prevention and treatment, particularly in vulnerable populations such as those with nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and smoking habits;
- (c) the initiatives being undertaken to reduce TB mortality, which still accounts for 26 per cent of global TB deaths despite a decade-long decline in India's TB-related deaths;
- (d) whether the Government is planning any new policy initiatives, given the increase in domestic funding for TB in 2023 but reduced international funding and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the outcomes of India's national TB prevalence survey, conducted since 2019, and the strategies developed based on its findings for enhanced TB control and prevention?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (e) The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM) has implemented a National Strategic Plan with the following objectives:-

-  Early diagnosis of TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens.
-  To engage with the patients seeking care in the private sector;
-  Active case finding and contact tracing in high risk /vulnerable population;
-  Airborne infection control;
-  Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.

World Health Organisation's Global TB report 2024 has reported that, India contributed to 26% of global TB burden of cases and death in 2023.

The Ministry through Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey in 20 States/group of States to assess burden of TB at sub-national levels. The prevalence of all forms of TB cases for all ages was reported as 312 per lakh population in the country.

Based on the prevalence survey, the program interventions were re-strategized to focus on vulnerable population to reduce TB incidence and mortality. The following interventions/steps have been taken under the programme:

-  Targeted interventions in high TB burden areas through state and district Specific Strategic plans.
-  Provision of free drugs and diagnostics to TB patients.
-  Active TB case-finding through campaigns in key vulnerable and co-morbid populations.
-  Integration of Ayushman Arogya Mandir with TB screening and treatment services.
-  Private sector engagement with incentives for notification and management of TB cases.
-  Scale up of molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels.
-  Expansion of coverage under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients.
-  Intensified Information, Education & Communication (IEC) interventions to reduce stigma, enhance community awareness and improve health seeking behaviour.
-  Converge efforts and resources of line ministries for TB elimination.
-  Provision of TB Preventive Treatment to contacts of TB patients and vulnerable population.
-  Track notified TB cases through Ni-kshay portal.
-  Provide additional nutritional, diagnostic and vocational support to TB patients and household contacts under Ni-kshya Mitra initiative.

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