PRESS RELEASE
SAARC Regional Consultative Meeting on the Strategic Plan to End TB and HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the Member States, 22β23 July 2026, Maldives
The SAARC Regional Consultative Meeting on the Strategic Plan to End TB and HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the Member States commenced on 22 July 2026 in the Maldives, in accordance with the approved Calendar of Activities of the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC), Kathmandu.
The two-day consultative meeting (22β23 July 2026) aims to:
- Draft a regional strategic plan to end TB and HIV/AIDS in the SAARC Member States in line with global targets.
- Promote alignment with national policies, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and World Health Organization (WHO) targets.
- Identify priority areas requiring strengthening for effective TB and HIV/AIDS prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management.
- Facilitate the implementation of the SAARC Regional TB and HIV/AIDS Strategies across the Member States.
- Strengthen regional partnerships, coordination, and accountability mechanisms.
- Build consensus on measurable targets and monitoring indicators.
Representatives from the National TB Programmes of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are participating in the meeting. The programme is being facilitated by experts from the host country, the Maldives, and the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC), Kathmandu.
The inaugural session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Dr. Rabeya Sultana, Deputy Director STAC delivered the welcome address and underscored the importance of the consultative meeting in finalizing the SAARC Regional Strategy for Tuberculosis Elimination (2026-2030) and the SAARC Regional Strategy on HIV/AIDS (2026-2030. She highlighted the objectives and significance of the meeting, emphasizing the value of collaborative technical consultation in strengthening the regional strategies. She also expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, delegates participating both in person and virtually from the SAARC Member States, and the facilitators for their valuable time, commitment, and contributions toward the successful conduct of the meeting.
Ms. Nashiya Abdul Qafoor, Director of Public Health, Maldives, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her keynote remarks, she highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to achieving the goals of eliminating tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and AIDS as major public health concerns. She encouraged all participants to openly share their experiences, learn from one another, and work collaboratively to develop practical, innovative, and ambitious solutions to strengthen the national response.
Dr. Chuman Lal Das, Director of STAC, delivered his keynote remarks virtually from SAARC TB and HIV/AIDS Centre, Kathmandu. He thanked the Chief Guest, distinguished dignitaries, participants, and facilitators for their presence and active participation despite their busy schedules. He also expressed his appreciation to the Government of Maldives for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed STAC’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration towards ending TB and HIV/AIDS in the SAARC region.
The inaugural session concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Shamaa Hawwa, Public Health Coordinator, Health protection Agency, Maldives followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Samita Adhikary Research Officer of STAC.
The scientific sessions will cover a comprehensive range of topics, including:
- Overview of the TB situation in the SAARC Member States.
- Presentation of the Draft SAARC Regional Strategy for TB Elimination (2026β2030).
- Strategic Framework and Objectives: Country Recommendations.
- Implementation Framework and Action Plan Matrix (2026β2030).
- Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Country Recommendations.
- Consolidation of key recommendations for the regional strategic plan.
Lastly, the Director General of Public Health at the Health Protection Agency, Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Nishan Ahmed joined in the inaugural session to demonstrate the Maldives Governmentβs commitment to Regional Collaboration.
The consultative meeting will conclude on 23 July 2026, with consensus recommendations expected to guide the development and implementation of the SAARC Regional Strategic Plan to End TB and HIV/AIDS across the Member States.
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Dr. Chuman Lal Das
Director
SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC)
Kathmandu, Nepal
