Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. TB can be latent (asymptomatic) or active. Without treatment, TB can cause severe respiratory failure, organ damage, and death.

Globally, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death, killing over 1.3 million people annually. In India alone, TB claimed 300,000 lives in 2023. Drug-resistant strains are rising due to treatment non-adherence and diagnostic delays, making eradication increasingly urgent.

Side effects of TB treatment include hepatotoxicity, neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, and long-term complications from prolonged antibiotic regimens. Patients also face stigma, isolation, and financial devastation from lost productivity and long treatment durations.

TB eradication is not just a public health goal, it’s an economic imperative. The World Bank estimates that TB costs the global economy $12 billion annually in lost productivity and treatment costs. In India, the burden is disproportionately high in underserved populations.

The United States and several European countries have nearly eradicated TB through:

1. Mandatory treatment adherence programs
2. Strong public health surveillance
3. Vaccination (BCG) in high-risk populations
4. Funding integration through government and private sectors

Our TB-Free India 2030 proposal mirrors this multi-pronged success model while adapting for scale, cost-efficiency, and cultural nuance. It introduces advanced digital tools (AI diagnostics, CRISPR testing), real-time adherence monitoring, and genomic surveillance to leapfrog existing gaps in India’s TB program.

By investing in innovative, data-driven, and community-based strategies, we can not only save millions of lives but also reduce India's healthcare burden and economic loss — accelerating progress toward global TB elimination goals.