‘Dare2eraD TB’ initiative ▪ The Department of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has completed the genomic sequencing of a third, or 10,000 samples, of the target of 32,500 samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis — the bacterium behind tuberculosis (TB) ▪ The genome sequencing initiative, part of Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB (Dare2eraD TB), an umbrella programme of the DBT. ▪ It was launched in 2022 with a goal to sequence about 32,500 samples from across the country. ▪ It is tied to the Centre’s broader mission to eliminate TB. ▪ Nine labs of the DBT, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are involved in the programme as part of a consortium called Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance. ▪ Full sequencing of all 32,500 samples is expected by October 2025. India’s TB Elimination Goal ▪ PM announced in 2018 that India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the WHO's 2030 target. ▪ India accounts for 28% of new global TB cases. ▪ Gujarat has achieved a remarkable 95 per cent of the target set by NITI Aayog for TB registration and treatment success. Findings from Genome Sequencing ▪ 7% of sequenced samples show resistance to a single drug. ▪ Most TB cases were in the 18-45 age group. ▪ Many affected individuals were diabetic and underweight. Anti-TB campaign will be expanded to all districts ▪ 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Launched: December 7, 2024) ▪ 12.97 crore people screened for tuberculosis (TB). ▪ 7.19 lakh TB cases detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases. ▪ TB treatment coverage in India has now increased from 59% to 85%. ▪ Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced that the campaign will now cover all districts in India. ▪ Centre’s TB elimination…
