President Murmu Urges ‘Collective Resolve’ to End TB on Eve of World Tuberculosis Day 2026

New Delhi: On the eve of World Tuberculosis Day 2026, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has called upon all citizens and stakeholders to unite with a “shared determination” to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) from the country. Observed annually on March 24, the day serves as a global reminder of the persistent health, social, and economic impact of the disease.

A Vision for a ‘TB Mukt Bharat’

In her official message, the President highlighted the significant strides made under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. She noted that India’s National TB Elimination Programme has successfully expanded early diagnosis and ensured free treatment for millions.

“This progress underscores our shared determination and the strength of the National TB Elimination Programme. I urge all stakeholders to work together with collective resolve to end tuberculosis once and for all,” the President stated.

India’s 2026 Strategy: The 100-Day Campaign

To mark World TB Day 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is launching several high-impact initiatives at a national event in Greater Noida:

• 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Campaign: A focused, intensified drive to accelerate case detection in high-burden areas.

• TB Mukt Urban Ward Initiative: Scaling up elimination efforts specifically within dense urban settings.

• Digital Innovation: The launch of the new TB Mukt Bharat App to improve treatment adherence and patient tracking.

The Global Theme: “Yes! We Can End TB”

The theme for 2026, “Yes! We Can End TB!”, resonates with India’s ambitious goal to eliminate the disease by 2025—five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.

Recent data shows a marked reduction in “missing” TB cases, dropping from 15 lakh in 2015 to roughly 2.5 lakh. This success is largely attributed to the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, where over 2.5 lakh volunteers have stepped up to provide nutritional and social support to patients.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

Health experts remind the public that early detection remains the most effective tool against TB. Common symptoms include:

• A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks.

• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

• Night sweats and recurring fever.

As the nation observes World TB Day, the message from Rashtrapati Bhavan is clear: with community participation and modern diagnostic tools, a TB-free India is no longer just a goal, but an achievable reality.