Tuberculosis: current situation, challenges and overview of its control programs in India

Area of Science:

• * Global Health
• * Infectious Diseases
• * Public Health Policy

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infectious disease, persisting as a major global health threat and a leading cause of death, particularly among HIV-infected individuals.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes TB as a worldwide pandemic, highlighting its significant impact on global mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical progression and current status of tuberculosis control programs in India.
• To identify major challenges hindering TB eradication efforts in India.
• To examine the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) as a significant threat.

Main Methods:

• Consultation of data from official websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, Government of India.
• Literature search conducted using PubMed® and Google Scholar®.

Main Results:

• India's Directly Observed Treatment-Short Course (DOTS) program is the world's largest and fastest-expanding TB treatment initiative.
• Significant challenges to TB control in India include inadequate rural healthcare infrastructure, unregulated private sector drug use, HIV co-infection, and administrative issues.
• Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is an escalating threat, often stemming from inadequate TB control programs.

Conclusions:

• Despite progress, TB eradication faces substantial obstacles in India, necessitating strengthened public health infrastructure and regulatory oversight.
• The WHO's "STOP TB" strategy aims for global TB elimination by 2050, requiring concerted international and national efforts.