On World Tuberculosis Day, Karuna-Shechen reaffirms its commitment to the most vulnerable populations. With 1.2 million deaths recorded in 2024, tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge. In light of this, our teams are working on the ground to facilitate diagnosis and access to care, particularly in regions where medical resources remain limited.
A disease that highlights inequalities
Despite medical advances, tuberculosis continues to affect millions of people each year. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported nearly 10 million new infections worldwide.
Often linked to precarious living conditions, the disease takes hold where malnutrition, overcrowding, or limited access to care weaken the immune systems of the most vulnerable. Strengthening prevention and diagnosis, as close as possible to communities, therefore remains essential.
In India, where Karuna-Shechen operates in several states, the national goal of eliminating the disease still requires ongoing efforts: in 2023, between 2.5 and 3 million new cases were reported there.
Screening: The Key to Recovery
Treatment for tuberculosis is available; the real challenge often lies in early detection. The earlier an infection is identified, the higher the chances of recovery.
Our clinics in Bihar and Jharkhand therefore offer accessible tests, such as chest X-rays, to end the medical odyssey and facilitate rapid referral for the CB-NAAT molecular test. Thanks to this coordinated care with Indian public health services via the Ni-kshay portal (Ni meaning “end” and Kshay meaning “tuberculosis”), every patient receives comprehensive follow-up care until recovery.
Dashrath’s Story
Dashrath, 50, experienced the uncertainty of a delayed diagnosis. For several weeks, he suffered without understanding the cause of his symptoms. It was at the Karuna-Shechen clinic that he finally found someone to listen and get answers.
“The quick diagnosis allowed me to start my treatment without further delay”, he shares today.
For Dashrath, the clinic’s accessibility and free services were crucial: by finally putting a name to his symptoms, he was able to undergo the necessary tests and confidently begin his journey toward recovery.
Dashrath’s story reminds us that treating tuberculosis is not enough: we must also address the root causes that fuel it—poverty, malnutrition, lack of information, and staff shortages. That is why our commitment goes beyond medical care; we support people in achieving better nutrition, greater self-reliance, and a better understanding of the disease, in order to strengthen health in all its dimensions.