India Recorded The Highest Tuberculosis Cases Globally In 2024 – Here’s What It Means

Did you know that India had the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases globally in 2024? Yes, you read that right. The findings were published in a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report called Global Tuberculosis Report 2025. The report provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic and its prevention, diagnosis and treatment at global, regional and country levels. Let’s take a look at what the report says about India and its risk for TB cases.

The editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Critical Care and Pulmonology Head, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, to understand this better from an expert's lens.

What Is The New Report On Tuberculosis All About

The World Health Organization recently released its Global Tuberculosis Report 2025. According to the report, TB incidence had the highest decline rate globally — by 21% — from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024. But it also noted that India is still among the countries with the highest rates of TB, bearing 25% of the burden globally. Not only this, India recorded the maximum number of cases of TB in 2024, says the report.

In India, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of TB cases, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Delhi has the highest tuberculosis infection prevalence rate. As far as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is concerned, the scenario seems quite difficult. As per the report, India also recorded the highest number of drug-resistant TB cases in 2024 — bearing 32% of global MDR-TB- and rifampicin-resistant (RR-TB) cases.

Why Is India At Risk For Tuberculosis Cases?

Now, let us try and understand why India is at risk for so many tuberculosis cases. “Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health concern. It is highly contagious, and its prevalence continues to be significant worldwide. Globally, nearly one-fourth of the population is estimated to be infected. India carries one of the highest burdens, with surveys indicating that around 31–33% of people above 15 years are infected. Prevalence varies by age and geography, and tends to be higher among older adults, men, and high-risk groups such as household contacts. Despite being both preventable and curable, millions still fall ill every year,” explains Dr Grover.

The expert also shares why India faces a substantial challenge with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB). “The country accounts for a significant share of global DR-TB cases, with resistance rates of about 2.5% in new patients and 13–17% in those previously treated. This form of TB poses serious public health difficulties due to its prolonged, complex treatment, higher costs, and the social stigma associated with the disease,” shares Dr Grover.

Also Read: Surge In Multidrug-Resistant TB Among Children Sparks Global Health Alarm

Causes And Symptoms Of Tuberculosis

“Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. While the lungs are the most commonly affected organ, symptoms may vary when TB involves other parts of the body,” says Dr Grover.

So how exactly does TB germs spread? They can get into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. These germs can remain in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. TB germs are more likely to circulate in indoor spaces or where there is poor air circulation. Those who breathe these germs become infected.

TB germs do not spread by:

• Shaking someone's hand.
• Sharing food or drink.
• Touching bed linens or toilet seats.
• Sharing toothbrushes.
• Kissing.

You may have a higher risk of exposure to TB germs if you:

• Born in or frequently travels to countries where TB is common, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters or jails.
• Spent time with someone who has active TB disease.
• Work in spaces where TB is likely to spread.

Some people develop active TB disease within weeks after getting infected, even before their immune system can fight the germs. Other people may fall sick years later, when their immune system gets weak for other reasons.

Tips To Prevent Tuberculosis

On this note, Dr Grover shares some tips to prevent TB. Let’s take a look:

• Maintain good hygiene — cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash hands regularly.
• Ensure proper ventilation in living and working spaces.
• Get screened and treated early for latent TB infection.
• Strengthen immunity through a healthy lifestyle and by managing conditions like HIV and diabetes.
• If diagnosed with active TB, stay isolated, wear a mask, and limit contact with others until you are no longer infectious.

Also Read: World TB Day 2025: Check Theme, History And Its Significance

The Final Word

The Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, published by the WHO, noted that India recorded the maximum number of TB cases globally in 2024. The country accounts for a significant share of global DR-TB cases, with resistance rates of about 2.5% in new patients and 13–17% in those previously treated.