The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has taken significant steps toward tackling tuberculosis (TB) through an extensive genomic sequencing initiative. By March 2025, DBT had successfully sequenced 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis samples, working towards its broader goal of sequencing 32,500 samples. This initiative is designed to improve understanding of drug-resistant TB and its genetic characteristics within India. The project supports the government’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025, well ahead of the World Health Organization’s 2030 target.
Dare2eraD TB Programme
Introduced on World TB Day in March 2022, the Dare2eraD TB programme is a pioneering initiative dedicated to TB eradication through genomic research. It is a joint effort between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. A key component of the programme is the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS), which plays a crucial role in tracking TB strains across the country.
Key Objectives Of Initiative
The programme aims to:
Sequence 32,200 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from active TB patients.
Establish a centralised biorepository for clinical TB strains in India.
Map the genetic diversity of TB strains and their treatment responses.
Identify mutations linked to drug resistance.
Examine TB transmission within households.
Integrate genomic insights with epidemiological data to improve public health interventions.
Expected Outcomes
This initiative is expected to:
Serve as a pilot project for incorporating whole-genome sequencing into routine TB diagnosis.
Identify dominant TB strains prevalent across different regions of India.
Determine how genetic variations impact TB treatment success rates.
Catalogue existing and newly emerging drug resistance mutations.
Discover novel genetic variations associated with drug resistance.
Provide data-driven insights to shape public health policies related to TB control.
Current Statistics And Challenges
India accounts for 28% of new TB cases worldwide. In 2022, the country recorded 1,990 TB cases per million people, a significant drop from 2,370 cases per million in 2015. However, drug-resistant TB remains a major concern, with 7% of sequenced samples displaying resistance to at least one drug. The majority of TB cases are found in individuals aged 18-45, with many affected by diabetes or malnutrition.
Future Prospects
The DBT aims to complete the sequencing of all targeted samples by October 2025. The insights gathered from this research will aid in refining TB treatment strategies and enhance disease management efforts, contributing significantly to India's goal of TB elimination.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT 2023, NEET 2023, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main 2023 application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
News about the latest admissions, results, upcoming government jobs, Sarkari exams and many more.