Dr. Man Mohan Puri
Consultant Chest Physician (SAG)
National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi

I’m deeply humbled and honoured to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Chairman of The Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI) for bestowing upon me the privilege of serving as the President of this esteemed conference and Chairman of the Standing Technical Committee. This distinction is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in me by the TAI.

As one of the oldest voluntary organizations in the country, the Tuberculosis Association of India has been a beacon of hope in the fight against tuberculosis since its inception in 1939. With affiliates across the nation, TAI has been steadfast in its mission to combat TB, and I’m proud to say that it continues to thrive under the leadership of President Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch and Chairman Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Arora.

The Bengal TB Association, established in 1929, has played a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, particularly among the low-income population of Kolkata and West Bengal. Their selfless efforts have made a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals and families.

Significant progress has been made under NTEP to reduce TB in India. The WHO Global TB Report 2025 affirmed a 21% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024, which is double the global pace. TB Mortality Rate has fallen from 28 deaths per lakh in 2015 to 21 deaths per lakh in 2024 (still above national target). Treatment Coverage has improved from 53% in 2015 to 92% in 2024, reflecting the programme’s growing reach and effectiveness. The gap between estimated TB incidence and reported newly diagnosed cases stands at 8.8%. India took a bold step towards eliminating tuberculosis and launched the ambitious 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign in December 2024 to accelerate the fight against TB by improving case detection, reducing diagnostic delays, and enhancing treatment outcomes. This campaign detected 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic TB cases.

There have been significant strides in treating MDR/RR-TB, with a notable improvement in treatment success rates. The estimates of MDR/RR-TB in India have reduced by 20%, declining from 1.40 lakh in 2015 to 1.10 lakh in 2023. NTEP has made considerable progress in expanding diagnostic and treatment services for DR-TB to include 8,540 NAAT labs and 87 culture & drug susceptibility labs.

I’d like to emphasize that national campaigns rely heavily on the active participation of voluntary organisations. The Tuberculosis Association of India has been a shining example of this, supplementing government efforts in TB prevention and control since 1939. The contributions of TAI include publication of the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis exclusively devoted to TB research and education, and organization of an annual National Conference on Tuberculosis. This year’s conference, held in Kolkata from December 18-21, 2025 in association with the Bengal Tuberculosis Association, is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the cause.

As we strive to combat Tuberculosis, it’s essential to acknowledge the role of stigma in exacerbating the disease. Stigma not only leads to social isolation but also delays treatment, ultimately worsening outcomes. Since 1939, the Tuberculosis Association of India, in collaboration with State TB Associations, has been working tirelessly to address this issue. This year, TAI launched the ‘Action Against Stigma’ (AAS) campaign, a nationwide initiative that brings together stakeholders from State TB Associations, NGOs, Indian Medical Association, medical colleges, and other healthcare institutions. The annual TB Seal Campaign of Tuberculosis Association of India is a novel way of spreading awareness about tuberculosis. Through these efforts, TAI aims to create a stigma-free environment where TB patients can seek help without fear of discrimination.

Over the next few days, we’ll gather to share cutting-edge research, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions. Our conference theme, ‘Lung Health Matters: TB, Chest Diseases and Beyond’, is a clarion call to prioritize lung health and tackle the pressing issues of non-tubercular respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and interstitial lung diseases.

As we gather here today, I’d like to extend my warmest appreciation to The Bengal TB Association for their tireless efforts in organizing this conference. I urge all stakeholders to join hands and contribute to this noble cause, so that together, we can eradicate the scourge of Tuberculosis. I am confident that with collective efforts, unwavering dedication, and a shared vision, we can create a Tuberculosis-free India, where we can proudly say that we have won the fight against TB and other preventable diseases.

Thank you.