“On World TB Day 2026, with the theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people’, it’s important to recognise that tuberculosis today is not just a disease of the past it continues to evolve alongside our changing lifestyles. India still carries the highest burden globally, accounting for nearly 27% of TB cases, with over 2.5 million cases reported annually.

What’s increasingly being observed is that TB is affecting a large share of the young and working-age population, particularly those between 20–40 years. This shift reflects modern lifestyle patterns irregular eating habits, poor nutritional intake, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, and prolonged time spent in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. While these factors may seem routine, they can gradually weaken immunity, making individuals more susceptible to infections like TB

We’re also seeing a strong link with underlying conditions diabetes, for instance, can increase the risk of TB by nearly 2–3 times, and tobacco use remains a significant contributing factor. At the same time, delayed diagnosis continues to be a challenge. Many individuals tend to ignore early symptoms like a persistent cough, mild fever, or fatigue, often attributing them to pollution, stress, or seasonal illness, which can delay timely treatment.

There has been progress, with a gradual decline in TB incidence over the past decade and improved access to diagnostics and treatment. However, the gap today is less about availability of care and more about awareness, behaviour, and early action.

If we are to achieve the 2030 elimination goal, the focus must extend beyond healthcare systems into everyday life better nutrition, improved living conditions, early screening, and most importantly, reducing stigma. Ending TB will not just depend on policies, but on how individuals recognise symptoms, seek care, and prioritise their health. That’s where real change begins and that’s what this year’s theme truly reinforces.