Celebration of SAARC Charter Day
Strategic Dialogue on Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS
08 December 2025, Katmandu
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Press Release
The SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC) commemorated the Forty-first SAARC Charter Day 2025 by organizing a technical and policy-focused event “Strategic Dialogue on Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS” on 08 December, 2025 in Kathmandu. SAARC Charter Day marks the signing of the SAARC Charter in 1985, a milestone that laid the foundation for regional cooperation across South Asia, including collaborative public-health action against major infectious diseases.
The occasion was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health Services, UNICEF ROSA, IUATLD, NATA, and various development partners engaged in regional health initiatives. The event formally commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Director of STAC.
Former Directors of STAC, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Kharel, Dr. R. P. Pant, and Dr. S. C. Verma attended as special guests, reflecting the Centre’s continued commitment to institutional memory and evidence-based leadership.
Dr. D. S. Bam, former Health Secretary of Ministry of Health and Population, Govt. of Nepal and Former Director of STAC, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. While the programme was chaired by Dr. Anuj Bhattachan, Director, STAC. He highlighted need principles of upcoming new strategies.
During the technical programme, the overview of the SAARC TB & HIV/AIDS Centre & Regional TB and HIV/AIDS Epidemiological updates, outline draft strategic plan on TB and HIV/AIDS were presented by the STAC.
The Former Directors of STAC contributed expert insights on the scientific and operational challenges facing by region and they recommended few strategic interventions to incorporate in the strategies for achieving a TB- and HIV-free South Asia.
In his closing remarks, Chief Guest Dr. D. S. Bam emphasized the importance of sustained political commitment, investment in public-health systems, and regional solidarity in combating TB and HIV/AIDS, diseases that continue to impose significant health and economic burdens in South Asia.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by STAC, acknowledging the contributions of all participants.
Dr. Anuj Bhattachan
Director, STAC
08th December, 2025, Kathmandu
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