Molecular Epidemiology (Pathogen Sequencing)

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of pathogen genome sequencing to understand the emergence, evolution and spread of infectious disease in our communities. Genome sequencing can give us unique insights into many infectious diseases and patterns of drug resistance which can help us design better strategies to control, treat and eventually eliminate the disease.

BNMT is working with the Centre for Molecular Dynamics-Nepal, The University of Oxford UK, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UK, The University of Melbourne, Australia and the University of Cambridge, UK to build national capacity for pathogen sequencing. We are conducting genome sequencing surveillance for COVID-19 through the Epidemic Intelligence project and for tuberculosis through the TARGET TB project. These projects will help us to better understand the epidemiology of these diseases in Nepal and work with partners to improve national elimination strategies and strengthen preparedness for future emerging epidemics.