India has one of the most severe burdens of tuberculosis (TB) in the world, accounting for one-fifth of the global incidence. Since the Government formally launched the WHO-recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) strategy nationwide:
- More than 9.5 million people suffering from TB have been diagnosed and placed on treatment, saving more than 1.7 million additional lives (1997 - 2008).
- Cure rates for those placed on treatment have tripled from 25% in 1997 to 86% in 2009, exceeding the global target.
- Deaths from the disease were cut sevenfold - from 29% in 1997 to 4% in 2008.
The first World Bank credit (for $142 million, from 1997- 2005) allowed rapid expansion of the DOTS strategy throughout the country. The second credit, from 2006 to 2011, is ongoing and provides $170 million.
The World Bank has contributed to several innovations in the TB control program over the years, including the establishment of a strong cross-referral system between the TB and the HIV/AIDS programs, the pioneering of the public-private mix for diagnosis and treatment of TB, and the initial expansion of laboratory capacity to address the increasing problem of multi-drug resistant TB.
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