Background : Tuberculosis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity in Tamil Nadu. The Government
of Tamil Nadu has been implementing the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme with the aim of achieving the End
TB targets by 2025.
Objectives : The present article aims to describe the case finding activities undertaken in Tamil Nadu and the resultant
changes. In addition, it explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB case finding.
Methods : Secondary data available in the various registers and reports (paper-based and digital) within the NTEP were
consolidated for the calculation of indicators relevant to case finding. The trends in such indicators over the period of
2015-2022 were mapped and represented.
Results : The presumptive TB examination rate has increased by 69% from 2015 to 2022. Annual case notification rate in the
public sector has declined by 19% overall for the state. The NNT (number needed to test to diagnose one case of TB) for
smear microscopy has nearly doubled and NNT for NAAT has increased by 80%. Presumptive TB examinations which were
severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly improved in 2022
Conclusions : The stagnation or decline in TB notifications despite increased presumptive TB examinations suggests an
overall declining trend of the tuberculosis epidemic in Tamil Nadu. The gains need to be consolidated and built upon in the
coming years leading up to 2025 to push for TB elimination.