Tuberculosis research conducted over the years at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT).

This review article highlights some of the key research conducted at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT) over the years since its inception in 1956 till the present. The research carried out in the field of tuberculosis at ICMR-NIRT has been a joint effort between the ICMR, NIRT, the TB control program in India with assistance from World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. The research carried out at ICMR-NIRT has helped to formulate the national guidelines for the control and the management of tuberculosis in India. The major highlights of the research carried out at ICMR-NIRT are provided in this manuscript.

Paradigm shift in efforts to end TB by 2025.

TB is a deadly infectious disease, in existence since time immemorial. This article traces the journey of TB developments in the last few decades and the path breaking moments that have accelerated the efforts towards Ending TB from National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP 1962-1992) to Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP - 1992-2019) and to National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) as per the vision of Honorable Prime Minister of India. From increased funding for TB, the discovery of newer drugs and diagnostics, increased access to health facilities, greater investment in research and expanded reach of public health education, seasoned with TB activism and media's proactive role, private sector participation to political advocacy and community engagement, coupled with vaccine trials has renewed the hope of finding the elusive and miraculous breakthrough to END TB and it seems the goal is within the realms of the possibility. The recent paradigm shift in the policy and the drive of several states & UTs to move towards TB free status through rigorous population-based vulnerability mapping and screening coupled with active case finding is expected to act as the driving force to lead the country towards Ending TB by 2025. Continued investments in research, innovations and availability of more effective drugs and the vaccines will add to existing armamentarium towards Ending TB.