India TB Report 2021 was published recently. According to it, India reported a 24% year-on-year fall in registration of tuberculosis cases in 2020.
Key Findings
Amid the covid-19 pandemic-led disruptions and lockdowns, an estimated 18.05 lakh TB cases were registered in India. Report also found that, between January and February 2020, registrations of TB increased by 6% on year. Later, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme had closed gap on missing TB cases. Thus, by December 11% more cases were reported as compared to April. Report further highlights, 24.04 lakh cases were reported in 2019, among which treatment success rate was 82% while mortality rate was 4%. According to report, 4% of patients were lost in follow ups while treatment failure & regimen change accounts for about 3%.
Tuberculosis Cases in India
Tuberculosis is one of India’s most critical health challenges. It typically has devastating health, social and financial consequences for patients as well as communities on a large scale. India has the largest caseload, 2.64 million tuberculosis patients, across the world. It accounts for 30% of the world’s TB cases. Government of India has aimed to have TB-free India by 2025, five years ahead of global target date, 2030. With this aim, India is trying to detect cases early and prevent emergence of new cases by extending TB care.
Government Initiatives
Government of India is undertaking several schemes to tackle the challenge of TB:
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Nikshay Ecosystem: It is a National TB information system which acts as one-stop solution to manage the information of patients and monitor program activity & performance across the country.
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Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY): NYP scheme was launched with the aim of providing financial support to TB patients for their nutrition.
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TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign: This campaign was launched in September 2019 with highest level of commitment to eliminate TB.
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Saksham Project: This project was launched by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to provide psychosocial counselling to Drug resistant-TB patients.