General Studies (GS) Paper-2 & Paper-3
Topics: Health, Government Policies and Interventions, Issues Relating to Development and Management of Health Sector.
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✅ Introduction
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of TB. It marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, the cause of TB.
The theme for World TB Day 2025 is:
✅ “Yes! We Can End TB”, reflecting a global commitment to eliminating this infectious disease.
Despite being a preventable and curable disease, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB caused 1.3 million deaths globally in 2023, with India accounting for over 27% of the world’s TB cases.
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🌍 What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also spread to other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).
🔹 Types of TB
1. Pulmonary TB:
Affects the lungs.
Symptoms: Chronic cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, and fatigue.
2. Extrapulmonary TB:
Affects organs other than the lungs (e.g., kidneys, spine, brain).
More common in immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV-positive individuals).
3. Latent TB:
TB bacteria remain dormant.
The person shows no symptoms but can develop active TB later.
4. Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB):
Resistant to first-line drugs (Isoniazid, Rifampicin).
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) pose severe treatment challenges.
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📊 Global and Indian TB Statistics
Global Scenario (2023):
Estimated TB cases: 10.6 million.
Deaths due to TB: 1.3 million.
India’s Scenario (2023):
TB cases: 2.8 million (27% of global burden).
TB mortality: Over 400,000 deaths annually.
India accounts for one-third of global drug-resistant TB cases.
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🔥 Causes and Transmission of TB
Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
Transmission:
TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Close and prolonged contact increases the risk.
High-Risk Groups:
People with HIV/AIDS.
Diabetics.
Malnourished individuals.
Healthcare workers.
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🩺 Symptoms and Diagnosis
🔹 Symptoms of Active TB:
Persistent cough (lasting more than 2 weeks).
Chest pain and coughing up blood.
Unexplained weight loss.
Night sweats and fever.
Fatigue and weakness.
🔹 Diagnosis of TB:
1. Sputum Test: Detects TB bacteria in phlegm.
2. Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Identifies latent TB infection.
3. Chest X-ray/CT scan: Identifies lung abnormalities.
4. GeneXpert Test: Rapid molecular test to detect TB and drug resistance.
5. Line Probe Assay (LPA): Detects drug-resistant strains.
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⚙️ Challenges in TB Eradication
1. Drug Resistance:
MDR-TB and XDR-TB strains complicate treatment.
2. Underreporting and Misdiagnosis:
Lack of awareness and limited healthcare access in rural areas.
3. TB-HIV Co-infection:
TB is the leading cause of death among HIV-infected individuals.
4. Poverty and Malnutrition:
Weakened immunity makes individuals prone to infection.
5. Healthcare Infrastructure:
Inadequate diagnostic facilities in remote areas.
6. Stigma and Discrimination:
Social stigma prevents people from seeking timely treatment.
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✅ India’s Initiatives for TB Eradication
1. National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):
Launched in 2020 (revised from RNTCP).
Aims to eliminate TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the UN SDG goal.
2. Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative:
Involves community participation to support TB patients with nutritional and diagnostic assistance.
3. Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST):
Ensures all TB patients undergo drug-resistance testing for early diagnosis.
4. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme:
Provides ₹500/month to TB patients for nutritional support.
5. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana:
Financial support for TB patients to improve treatment adherence.
6. TB Free India Campaign:
Public awareness and screening campaigns at the grassroots level.
7. New TB Vaccine Development:
India is collaborating on the Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP) vaccine trials.
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🌍 Global Efforts to Combat TB
1. WHO End TB Strategy:
Aims to reduce TB deaths by 90% by 2030.
Targets 80% reduction in TB cases by 2030.
2. Stop TB Partnership:
An international initiative promoting multisectoral action.
3. UN High-Level Meeting on TB (2023):
Countries pledged to ramp up funding and efforts to end TB.
4. Research & Innovation:
Development of new TB vaccines and shorter drug regimens.
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📌 Way Forward
1. Strengthening Healthcare Systems:
Improve diagnostic facilities, especially in rural areas.
2. Affordable and Accessible Treatment:
Ensure availability of second-line drugs for MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients.
3. Awareness and De-stigmatization:
Launch nationwide TB awareness campaigns.
4. Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
Engage private healthcare providers for early diagnosis and treatment.
5. Research and Innovation:
Invest in vaccine research and novel TB diagnostics.
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📚 Conclusion
India’s battle against tuberculosis is far from over. With 27% of global TB cases, India faces a significant challenge in meeting the 2025 TB elimination target. Increased surveillance, early diagnosis, and community participation are essential to eradicate TB. The World TB Day serves as a reminder to strengthen health systems and enhance public awareness to end TB globally.
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📝 MCQs on TB – UPSC CSE Prelims
1. Which of the following bacteria causes tuberculosis?
a) Escherichia coli
b) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
c) Salmonella typhi
d) Streptococcus pneumoniae
✅ Answer: b) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
2. Which of the following is a drug-resistant form of TB?
a) MDR-TB
b) XDR-TB
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
✅ Answer: c) Both a and b
3. The theme for World TB Day 2025 is:
a) End TB Together
b) Yes! We Can End TB
c) TB-Free World by 2030
d) Fighting TB for All
✅ Answer: b) Yes! We Can End TB
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🖊️ UPSC Mains Question
Q: "Despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in India. Discuss the reasons for its persistence and suggest measures for its effective eradication."
(GS Paper-2, 250 words)
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