About us

Director’s Remarks

Since its foundation in 1939, the mission of the Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (RIT/JATA) has been to contribute to domestic and global tuberculosis control by conducting various studies in broad fields, including basic science to clinical/epidemiological studies, providing technical support for national and local governments, public health centres, and medical facilities, as well as performing activities for international cooperation and collaboration.

In the fields of clinical medicine, epidemiology, and operational research, we analyse national surveillance data and conduct studies as follows: effective control measures for high-risk groups, molecular epidemiologic research, research in collaboration with medical institutions, and investigation of patient-centred support, among others. These studies are necessary for effective TB control under low-incidence situations.

In the field of basic science in which the ultimate goal is to develop innovative technology, we conduct morphological measurement studies to determine the ultrastructure of Mycobacterium, development and validation of new laboratory examinations, and molecular and genome analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We conduct human genomic analysis on host defence mechanisms of infection, development, and reactivation of the disease, analysis of immune-pathology with clinical and epidemiologic factors, and development of innovative anti- tuberculosis agents.

The outcomes of these studies are published in medical journals, presented in academic meetings, and disclosed on our website. Some are utilised as materials for discussion in meetings by the National Health Council, local governments, and health centres. The information is also distributed at training programmes in RIT, regional training programmes, and community trainings to contribute to progress in medical service and control programmes.

We established collaborations with national governments and research institutes in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA through international collaborative research and investigations, technical support, and exchanges of lecturers in meetings. The participants in the international training programme, which began in 1963, included more than 2300 individuals from 98 countries/areas and contributed to tuberculosis control programmes in the respective countries/areas and the world. We conducted international cooperation programmes funded by the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labour, Japan International Cooperation agency and Christmas Seal Campaign. RIT is designated as a WHO collaborating centre and functions as a supranational reference laboratory to provide technical support for surveys and studies worldwide.

As a global institute representing Japan, RIT will promote the health and peace of the people in Japan and worldwide by researching and controlling tuberculosis in collaboration with the Japanese government, local governments, public health centres, medical facilities, relevant organisations, and international organisations, particularly the WHO.

Vision

A world where no one suffers from tuberculosis.

Mission

Our mission is to eliminate TB suffering through development and implementation of comprehensive TB control strategies.

Activities

In order to fulfill our mission, we will carry out the following activities both in and outside Japan.

  1. Conduct bacteriological and molecular epidemiological studies, including development of new diagnostics, which contribute to the understanding of the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  2. Conduct basic and translational researches on pathophysiology, host-pathogen interaction and pharmacology against mycobacteria using clinical samples and animal models.
  3. Conduct epidemiological, operational and clinical researches, which contribute to evidence-based policies for TB prevention, care and control.
  4. As a supra-national reference laboratory in the Western Pacific Region, provide strategic and technical assistance to national tuberculosis reference laboratories of countries in the region.
  5. Provide professional consultancy and support to local and national TB control programs, including epidemiological assessment, monitoring and evaluation, and outbreak investigation.
  6. Contribute to human resource development through organizing and implementing various training courses.

Pamphlet

The Research Institute of Tuberculosis Pamphlet

Organization

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