Why in news?

A five-year-long research initiative on tribal health was launched in Chamarajanagar district.

Aim:

• Its aim is to conduct research, innovation and training on genetic diseases and hemoglobinopathies among the tribal communities

Highlights:

• The first-of-its-kind initiative called Centre for Training, Research and Innovation on Tribal Health (CTRITH) has been launched by the Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, along with JSS Medical College in Mysuru, and Indian Institute of Public Health in Bengaluru, to conduct research, innovation and training on genetic diseases and hemoglobinopathies among the tribal communities.
• The project supported by Department of Bio Technology (DBT) and Wellcome Trust India Alliance will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare as well as Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and the Zilla Budakattu Girijana Abhivruddhi Sangha, a collective of Soliga tribals.
• The new project will benefit the tribal communities of Chamarajanagar and the rest of the State
• The project will help understand the underlying causes of malnutrition and addiction disorders among the tribal communities and come up with appropriate guidelines for intervention and action.

The research is also expected to study the issues related to malnutrition as well as high level of addiction to tobacco and alcohol among the tribal communities.