The World Bank and the Government of India have signed a $400 million loan agreement to expand the coverage and improve the quality of tuberculosis (TB) control interventions in India, where the disease continues to claim nearly 500,000 lives annually.
The World Bank-supported programme will cover nine states and aligns with India’s ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025 under its National Strategic Plan.
Strengthening TB Elimination Efforts
The Program Towards Elimination of Tuberculosis will support the Government of India’s efforts by enhancing diagnostics, improving the management of drug-resistant TB, and strengthening the capacity of public health institutions involved in monitoring and treatment.
The partnership between the World Bank and India in TB control spans over two decades. Since 1998, World Bank support has helped scale up Directly Observed Treatment (DOTS), expand services for vulnerable populations—including tribal communities, HIV patients, and children—and improve access to diagnostics and quality TB care.
Government and World Bank Perspectives
Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, said:
“India’s Tuberculosis Control Program has significant national and global public health and economic implications. The National Strategic Plan is a transformative initiative, and World Bank support will help India move closer to eliminating TB by 2025.”
The loan agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare on behalf of the Government of India and Shanker Lal, Acting Country Director, on behalf of the World Bank.
Junaid Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank, added:
“TB disproportionately affects the poor and marginalised, killing around 480,000 people annually in India. Through this programme, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting India in tackling infectious diseases and strengthening human capital.”
Addressing Key Challenges
Drug-resistant TB remains a major public health concern in India. Despite improved case notification, the country still faces over one million ‘missing’ TB cases annually, largely due to underdiagnosis or inadequate treatment—especially in the private healthcare sector.
