In a significant address at the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025 Summit, the Chairman of the National Health Authority, Dr. Jagat Prakash Nadda, drew attention to the alarming rise in new TB cases in India. According to Nadda, the country has seen a surge of 7.19 lakh new cases in recent months, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing battle against tuberculosis.
The event, which brings together global health experts, policymakers, and advocates, emphasized the urgency of tackling the disease, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In his speech, Nadda stressed the importance of continued vigilance, robust health policies, and collaborative efforts in reducing the burden of TB.
India has long been at the center of the global fight against TB, with a significant portion of the world’s TB cases occurring within its borders. Nadda’s remarks highlighted the country’s proactive approach to addressing this issue, particularly through enhanced screening, treatment, and preventive measures. He acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to meet the World Health Organization’s targets for TB elimination by 2030.
A key theme of the summit was the need for innovation and improved public awareness to combat the disease. Nadda pointed out the crucial role of advanced diagnostics and improved healthcare infrastructure in detecting and treating TB cases at earlier stages. He also called for greater awareness among the public to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek timely medical care.
While there has been progress in controlling TB, Nadda emphasized that the battle is far from over. The rising number of cases underscores the necessity of comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches to combat the disease, including improved access to health services, community engagement, and policy reform.
The World TB Day Summit also highlighted the contributions of various organizations and local communities in the fight against TB. Dr. Nadda praised their efforts and reiterated India’s commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of ending tuberculosis as a public health threat by 2030.
As the summit concluded, the global community reaffirmed its commitment to collective action, with renewed focus on sustaining momentum in TB control efforts. The rise in new cases serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against tuberculosis, but also of the determination and innovation needed to overcome them.
India’s resolve to address TB in 2025, underlined by Dr. Nadda’s address, reflects both the progress made and the work that lies ahead to eliminate this disease and protect future generations from its impact.
