Aizawl: Mizoram has recorded 121 deaths due to tuberculosis (TB) and 1,870 fresh cases of the disease between January and October 10 this year, according to data released by the state health department.
The report revealed that out of 97,647 blood samples tested across the state, 1,870 people — including 744 women — were confirmed to have TB.
Among them, 121 patients were diagnosed with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), while 211 others were found co-infected with HIV.
The department said around 82 per cent of the patients had successfully completed treatment.
Of the total TB cases detected, 1,761 were above 14 years of age and 104 were children.
Health officials expressed concern over the rising number of infections and fatalities, noting that TB deaths have steadily increased over the past five years.
The state reported 31 deaths in 2020, 46 in 2021, 87 in 2022, 119 in 2023, and 136 in 2024.
Over the last five years, Mizoram has recorded more than 11,000 TB cases, with the highest number — 2,307 — reported in 2024, followed by 2,115 in 2023.
The cumulative death toll during this period stands at 540, officials said.
Health authorities added that community participation in TB care has been gaining momentum under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
More than 100 individuals in Mizoram have registered on the “Nikshay” portal to adopt TB patients or contribute to their welfare.
Launched by President Droupadi Murmu in September 2022, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aims to strengthen public participation and accelerate India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 — five years ahead of the global target.
