Hindu Editorial Analysis : 25-January-2025

India is striving to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 as part of the ‘EndTB’ campaign. However, this ambitious goal faces numerous challenges, with the road ahead remaining steep and complex. Despite some significant achievements, India continues to lead the global TB burden, contributing to a considerable number of cases and deaths worldwide.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

TB is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. TB is the leading cause of death among people with HIV and a major factor in deaths related to antimicrobial resistance. However, it is preventable and curable with antibiotics. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only licensed vaccine, providing moderate protection against severe forms of TB in children.

The Burden of TB in India

India has the highest TB burden globally, accounting for 26% of all TB cases and deaths. It also faces a significant challenge with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which represents 27% of the world’s MDR-TB cases. The country is followed by Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan, which also have high TB burdens.

The National Effort Towards TB Elimination

The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) has been actively working to achieve the WHO’s 2025 target. The program’s key goals include:

  • Declining TB Incidence: India has achieved a 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, surpassing the global average of 8.3%.
  • Expanded Diagnostic Access: India conducted nearly 1.89 crore sputum smear tests in 2023, enhancing the accessibility of early TB diagnosis.
  • Shorter Treatment Regimens: The introduction of shorter regimens for drug-resistant TB has improved adherence to treatment.
Support for TB Patients

Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) provide patients with nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support. Additionally, the Ni-kshay Portal tracks TB cases, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures financial aid to patients, disbursing Rs. 2,781 crores to nearly 1 crore beneficiaries.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:

  • Undernutrition and Comorbidities: Vulnerable groups, such as those affected by undernutrition, diabetes, and overcrowding, are at higher risk.
  • Migrant Workers: Migrant workers face difficulties in accessing healthcare and continuing their treatment.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of drugs, caused by supply chain issues, pose a risk of delayed treatment and antibiotic resistance.
  • Diagnostic Delays: Delays in diagnosing TB, especially extrapulmonary TB (EP-TB), remain a challenge. EP-TB, which affects organs other than the lungs, is often misdiagnosed due to its vague symptoms.
Why In News

India’s journey towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, under the ambitious ‘EndTB’ campaign, has been fraught with challenges and complexities, including a high burden of cases, the rise of drug-resistant strains, and significant healthcare access barriers in rural and underserved areas.

MCQs about India’s Journey to End Tuberculosis by 2025
  1. What is the main goal of India’s ‘EndTB’ campaign by 2025?
    A. To reduce the global TB burden
    B. To eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from India
    C. To eradicate HIV/AIDS
    D. To improve the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
    Correct Answer: B. To eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from India
    Explanation: The ‘EndTB’ campaign aims to eliminate tuberculosis in India by 2025, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) targets.
  2. Which of the following is the only licensed vaccine for tuberculosis?
    A. Polio vaccine
    B. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
    C. Hepatitis B vaccine
    D. Tuberculin vaccine
    Correct Answer: B. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
    Explanation: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only licensed vaccine against TB, providing moderate protection against severe forms of the disease in infants and children.
  3. Which group of people is particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis due to undernutrition and comorbidities?
    A. Children under five
    B. Migrant workers
    C. Elderly individuals
    D. Individuals exposed to high-risk factors like diabetes and smoking
    Correct Answer: D. Individuals exposed to high-risk factors like diabetes and smoking
    Explanation: People with comorbidities like diabetes, smoking, and undernutrition are particularly vulnerable to TB due to their weakened immune systems and environmental factors.
  4. What role does the Ni-kshay Portal play in India’s fight against tuberculosis?
    A. It tracks the spread of drug-resistant TB globally.
    B. It provides financial support to TB patients.
    C. It helps track notified TB cases in India.
    D. It offers a platform for diagnostic testing.
    Correct Answer: C. It helps track notified TB cases in India.
    Explanation: The Ni-kshay Portal has been set up to track the notified TB cases in India, ensuring better monitoring and management of the disease.

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