India’s efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) have been challenged by a failure to meet diagnostic targets set by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2025, leading to a revised NSP 2020-2025. The NSP aimed to replace smear microscopy with molecular tests for TB detection, yet as of 2022, only 23% of cases were identified using molecular tests. India’s inability to meet these targets raises concerns about the nation’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025. Bacteriologically confirmed cases remain low, impacting early drug-resistant TB identification. WHO recommendations suggest using the private sector’s molecular testing capacity to increase annual tests and address resource constraints.
India is far from fulfilling the 2025 target for tuberculosis detection
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