Consider the following statements:

Statement I: India has the world’s largest TB epidemic and continues to be a major public health problem.

Statement II: The country’s TB incidence has increased from 2015 to 2023, according to the WHO.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

The correct answer is option 3.

In News

• As part of the 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign, India has notified over 6.1 lakh TB patients, with 4.3 lakh cases diagnosed in 455 intervention districts. The campaign introduced early TB identification strategies, including X-ray screenings and advanced diagnostic tests like NAAT.

Key Points

• India has the world’s largest TB epidemic, and tuberculosis remains a major public health problem.
  • Hence, Statement I is correct.
• Contrary to Statement II, the WHO has reported a 17.7% decline in TB incidence in India from 2015 to 2023, not an increase.
  •  Hence, Statement II is incorrect.

Additional Information

• India accounts for 27% of the world’s TB cases, making it the country with the highest burden.
• The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims to eliminate TB in India by 2025.
• Efforts include targeted screenings, free diagnostic services, and community-based interventions.