New Delhi:
People aged 25 to 44 years have accounted for the highest number of tuberculosis (TB)-related deaths in the national capital over the past 20 years, according to data released by the Delhi government.
An analysis of records from 2005 to 2024 shows that 65,985 people died due to tuberculosis during this period. TB-related deaths peaked in 2024 with 5,093 fatalities, while the lowest toll was recorded in 2007, when 2,516 deaths were reported.
The 25–44 age group emerged as the most affected, with 21,090 deaths occurring in hospitals and other institutions. Of these, men accounted for around 67 per cent, totalling 14,222 deaths, while 6,868 women in the same age bracket succumbed to the disease.
The 45–64 age group followed closely, registering 20,862 deaths over the two decades. Data shows a stark gender disparity in this category as well, with TB incidence among men nearly three times higher than women. Men accounted for over 36 per cent of deaths in this age group.
Institutional deaths remain alarmingly high
Institutional deaths — those occurring in hospitals and medical facilities — consistently formed a large majority, ranging between nearly 80 per cent and 91 per cent of total TB deaths across the years.
In 2024 alone, 4,416 institutional deaths were reported, compared to 2,018 in 2007, highlighting a sharp rise in recent years.
Among vulnerable groups, children aged 14 and below accounted for 4,812 institutional deaths, while 9,348 deaths were reported among people aged 65 years and above.
Women disproportionately affected by malnutrition and anaemia
Among women, nearly 30 per cent of TB deaths occurred in the 25–44 age group, underlining the disease’s impact on young and middle-aged women.
Speaking to PTI, Dr Meet Ghonia from the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi, said that malnutrition and anaemia significantly worsen outcomes in women suffering from TB, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
“Factors like menstruation, which can result in anaemia, affect overall health and immunity, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes,” Dr Ghonia explained.
Rising MDR-TB and air pollution add to risk
Doctors have also flagged the alarming rise in Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) as a major contributor to increasing fatalities.
“MDR-TB cases are much harder to treat, especially when patients have comorbidities. In comparison, drug-sensitive TB is easier to manage,” Dr Ghonia said.
He added that air pollution is a critical aggravating factor. “Pollution weakens lung health and immunity, particularly in patients already suffering from other illnesses, significantly increasing the risk of death.”
Age-wise trend highlights sustained public health challenge
After the 25–44 age group, people aged 45–64 and 15–24 were the next most affected categories, underlining that tuberculosis continues to pose a serious public health challenge across age groups in Delhi.