WHO Report Highlights India's High TB Treatment Coverage And Surge In Preventive Therapy Efforts

Rising Efforts in TB Preventive Therapy

Preventive TB therapy in India is focused on protecting high-risk groups, particularly those most vulnerable to TB infection. This includes close household contacts of TB patients and individuals living with HIV, both of whom face elevated risks of infection. The primary preventive regimen involves a daily dose of Isoniazid, typically administered over a period of 6-9 months. Isoniazid remains the most widely used TB preventive therapy globally due to its efficacy in halting TB progression in individuals exposed to the bacteria but not yet symptomatic.

In 2023, approximately 1.22 million individuals in India were placed on preventive TB therapy—a significant increase from 1.02 million in 2022 and 420,000 in 2021. The expanding coverage reflects the Indian government’s intensified focus on TB prevention, which is critical in reducing new infections and easing the nation’s burden of TB-related health issues.

High Treatment Coverage Among TB Patients

India’s TB treatment coverage reached an impressive 85% in 2023, positioning it among the top seven high-burden countries for TB that have achieved this level of coverage. This success is notable as TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Without effective treatment, TB claims nearly half of the lives it affects. Treatment coverage, therefore, plays a crucial role in curbing TB fatalities and reducing transmission within communities.

One of the main drivers behind this achievement is India’s provision of free TB treatment through government programs. This support alleviates the financial burden on patients, who may otherwise face substantial costs for prolonged TB treatments, which can extend up to two years. The lengthy treatment process not only strains patients financially but also disrupts their ability to work, adding to the economic hardship for affected individuals and their families.

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Addressing Drug Resistance in TB Treatment

The WHO report also underscores India's progress in managing drug-resistant TB, which presents a unique set of challenges. According to the data, treatment success rates in India stood at 89% for drug-susceptible TB cases, 73% for cases with resistance to rifampicin (a common anti-TB drug) or multiple drugs, and 69% for cases of extremely drug-resistant TB. These rates indicate substantial success in treating a wide range of TB cases, though they also reveal that treatment outcomes vary significantly based on the type and extent of drug resistance.

To address compliance challenges, the Indian government has introduced innovative strategies to support patients through long treatment regimens. For instance, digital pill boxes that track and remind patients to take their medication have been deployed, and shorter courses of treatment are being explored to improve adherence and reduce drop-out rates.

TB Case Detection and the Path to Elimination

Despite improvements, India continues to carry a significant proportion of the global TB burden, with an estimated 2.8 million cases reported in 2023, which accounts for approximately 26% of global cases. Furthermore, TB-related fatalities in India reached 315,000 in 2023, representing nearly 29% of global TB deaths. Although there has been a modest decline in both estimated cases and fatalities, India remains far from its TB elimination target.

Encouragingly, the gap between estimated TB cases and those diagnosed has been narrowing. India reported 2.52 million diagnosed TB cases in 2023, an increase from 2.42 million the previous year. This improvement in case detection is essential for meeting TB elimination goals, as undiagnosed cases contribute to ongoing transmission within communities.

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Bottomline

India’s achievements in expanding TB treatment coverage and preventive therapy highlight the country’s commitment to tackling one of its most pressing public health challenges. Through initiatives that ensure free treatment access, bolster patient adherence, and target high-risk populations with preventive care, India is taking significant strides toward controlling and eventually eliminating TB. While challenges persist—particularly with drug-resistant cases and high TB-related fatalities—the WHO report underscores a positive trajectory. With continued support, innovation, and dedicated resources, India stands to make further headway in its fight against tuberculosis, bringing it closer to the goal of TB elimination.