India inching closer to complete eradication of Tuberculosis


Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a critical health challenge worldwide, particularly in India, which bears the highest burden of this infectious disease with the country accounting for nearly 27% of the global TB cases.

TB is a highly contagious disease transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or spits. It can lie dormant in the body for years, and individuals with weakened immunity, such as those with HIV, diabetes, or malnutrition, are at a heightened risk of developing active TB. Smoking, alcohol use, and close contact with TB patients further exacerbate vulnerability. 

India is committed to eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the World Health Organization. The country has made significant strides in combating TB, with initiatives like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) driving nationwide efforts to detect, treat, and eliminate the disease. In the first 30 days of a recent 100-day intensified campaign, over 2 crore individuals were screened, leading to the identification of 1.48 lakh new cases, according to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

However, challenges remain. The social stigma surrounding TB, delays in diagnosis, and incomplete treatment cycles contribute to its persistence. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) adds another layer of complexity, as it requires prolonged and expensive treatment.

Symptoms and prevention 

Symptoms of pulmonary TB include a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, night sweats, fever, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and shortness of breath.

Awareness is the cornerstone of TB prevention. Public health campaigns emphasizing early detection and treatment can save lives and curb transmission. Key steps to prevent the spread of TB include:

Wearing masks in public places.

Avoid spitting in the open.

Covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.

Early detection through sputum tests, chest X-rays, and rapid molecular diagnostics is key to effective treatment, which usually involves a six-month course of antibiotics. Vaccination, particularly with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, remains an essential preventive measure.



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