Kerala is making headlines with the state's efforts in tuberculosis (TB) eradication, as documented in the newly released document, "A Path to Wellness: Kerala's Battle Against TB." The document highlights Kerala’s exceptional progress in combatting TB, which is recognized nationally for its lowest prevalence rate. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Tuberculosis Survey, Kerala has the lowest TB rate in India, affecting just 70 out of every 100,000 people. In comparison, the national average is 199 per 100,000, and the global average is 133 per 100,000. Despite TB being a leading global cause of death, with 7 per 100,000 people in Kerala, 34 in India, and 18 worldwide succumbing to the disease, Kerala’s achievements are noteworthy.

Initiated in 1962, Kerala's National Tuberculosis Program laid the foundation for its ongoing success. The state established District TB Centers across all districts, appointed specialized doctors, and developed indoor facilities for TB treatment at key centres including Pulayanarkota, Mulangunnathukavu, and Pariyaram. Additionally, comprehensive TB care was introduced in the thoracic and thoracic surgery departments of major medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kottayam, and Alappuzha.

Significant strides have also been made at the district level. Ernakulam and Kottayam District TB Centers, along with district and general hospitals across the state, now offer indoor TB care. Specialized TB hospitals have been set up in Puthikav, Karuvata, and Ponnani, with all taluk hospitals equipped with TB services including X-ray units and microscopy. The introduction of Odelka photo-fluorographic X-ray sets at district TB centers has further enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Kerala's targeted approach includes special measures for tribal areas, where TB prevalence is higher. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Kerala Chapter (IAP) has championed the cause by training 1,000 pediatricians statewide to manage pediatric TB and TB Preventive Therapy (TPT). Kerala has also become a pioneer in adopting a 'test and treat' policy for TPT.

The central government, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the World Health Organization, has recognized Kerala's achievements through a sub-national certification scheme for TB eradication. By 2021, Kerala had achieved a 37% reduction in TB incidence from 2015, earning a bronze medal at the national level. In 2022, with a reduction exceeding 40%, Kerala secured a silver medal. Malappuram and Wayanad districts were awarded gold medals for reducing TB incidence by more than 60%, while eleven other districts received silver medals for reductions over 40%. These accomplishments have positioned Kerala as the only state to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of Ending Tuberculosis and recognized it for outstanding coordination of national TB prevention activities in the private sector.

In 2023, the central government declared 60 panchayats in Kerala TB-free, with efforts underway to form task forces in remaining panchayats to achieve further TB-free status. The state is now moving forward with the second phase of its State Strategic Action Plan for TB Elimination 2.0, continuing its commitment to eradicating tuberculosis and improving public health.