Today: 31 May 2025
19 August 2021
2 mins read

BRICS to study intersection of Covid, TB

The four countries currently rank second to fifth in the number of cases of Covid-19 and belong to 24 countries recognised by the WHO with the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world….reports Asian Lite News

A consortium of doctors and researchers from India, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa have partnered to conduct a study on the epidemiological impact and intersection of the Covid-19 and Tuberculosis (TB) pandemics in these countries.

In a statement, India’s Science and Technology Ministry said that under this joint research, the teams from these countries will explore the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the epidemiological characteristics of TB infection and search for mechanisms responsible for the interaction of these two processes.

“They will also search for strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of the pandemic and develop individual recommendations for each participating country, which can help overcome the impact of epidemics of respiratory viral diseases on the epidemic of tuberculosis,” it said.

The four countries currently rank second to fifth in the number of cases of Covid-19 and belong to 24 countries recognised by the WHO with the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world.

Moreover, BRICS countries have the largest number of cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

“Hence the research will be conducted in these 4 BRICS countries where one of the highest-burden rates of both Covid-19 and tuberculosis has been recorded simultaneously,” the statement said.

ALSO READ: BRICS members to enhance intra-trade

This research supported by the Department of Science and Technology is being led by Prof Urvashi B. Singh from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

The teams will assess the impact of Covid-19 on trends in the structure of the tuberculosis population, primarily through the interaction between scientists from Russia and India.

The teams from Brazil and South Africa will evaluate the impact of tuberculosis on the clinical course and treatment outcomes for Covid-19 at the individual level.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures on morbidity and tuberculosis-related mortality will be assessed using mathematical modelling.

This collaborative research will provide a differentiated country-based assessment of the negative consequences of Covid-19 on the provision of anti-tuberculosis care, its continuity, consistency, and adequacy through a comparative analysis of the inter-country similarities and differences in the interaction of the two epidemics at the population and individual level.

“The analysis will provide insights into the most important points of application for epidemiological, medico-social, clinical, and socio-economic interventions that are expected to reduce morbidity and mortality from the interaction of Covid-19 and TB in both the short and long term,” the ministry said.

It said that the approach used will allow the development of a unique platform for mathematical modelling of the epidemic tuberculosis process, which will also support and enhance epidemic modelling capabilities in BRICS countries and thus provide a solid foundation for future collaborative modelling research.

ALSO READ: BRICS to adopt counter terrorism action plan next month

ALSO READ: BRICS NSA meet to be held on August 24: MEA

Previous Story

UK to double humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan

Next Story

Pak leaders, organisations voice support for Taliban

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Scanners to detect potential Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi

If someone is identified as potentially infected they will be

Global Covid caseload tops 465.3 mn

The global coronavirus caseload has topped 465.3 million, while the