Dare2eraD TB Programme

Current context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has sequenced 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis samples under the Dare2eraD TB Programme as of March 2025.

• This milestone is part of India’s efforts to combat drug-resistant TB and eradicate tuberculosis by 2025, ahead of the WHO’s 2030 target.

Dare2eraD TB Programme:

• Launched on World TB Day, March 2022.
• Collaborative effort by the Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Programme Objectives:

• Sequence 32,200 MTB strains and create a centralised clinical MTB strain biorepository.
• Map genetic diversity, associate mutations with drug resistance, and study transmission dynamics.
• Alignment with National Goals: Supports India’s mission to eradicate TB by 2025, ahead of WHO’s 2030 goal.

Current TB Statistics:

• India accounts for 28% of global TB cases; incidence declined to 1,990 cases per million in 2022.
• 7% of sequenced samples show single-drug resistance; TB mainly affects individuals aged 18–45.
• Future Goals: Complete sequencing by October 2025 to enhance TB management, public health strategies, and treatment outcomes.