A Puzzling Scenario in Tuberculosis Prevalence of Two Eastern States of India

Abstract

Tuberculosis stands as a major threat to global public health even after efforts and interventions both at national and international levels to fight the disease. The 22 High Burden Countries account for 80 percent of the world's TB cases. India, the second most populous country in the world, has more new tuberculosis cases annually than any other country. The disease is supposed to be strongly correlated to socio economic gradients of the population. A prime killer in the developing countries, TB has inspired many studies. Taking cue from NFHS 3 (2005-06) reports, I intend to present a contrasting picture of tuberculosis prevalence in two eastern states of India – West Bengal and Orissa which has the potential to serve as ground for future research .