PRESS RELEASE
The SAARC Regional Training on Capacity Building of Health Professionals on TB Preventive Therapy commenced on 26 November 2025 in NH Colombo Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, in accordance with the approved calendar of activities of the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC). The three-day programme (26–28 November 2025) aims to:
- Strengthen the capacity of health professionals from SAARC Member States in the correct use of TB Preventive Therapy (TPT);
- Scale up the implementation of TPT across health centers in SAARC Member States;
- Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration for effective TPT delivery.
Participants from the National TB Programmes of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are taking part in the training. The course is being facilitated by experts from the WHO Country Office in Sri Lanka, STAC (Kathmandu), and the National Program for TB Control and Chest Disease (NPTCCD), Ministry of health, Sri Lanka.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe, Acting DGHS, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest. Dr. Pramitha Shanthilatha, Director, NPTCCD, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, chaired the opening session.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Anuj Bhattachan, Director, STAC, outlines the objectives and structure of the training. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, Government dignitaries, facilitators, and participants for their presence and commitment. He emphasized the importance of collective learning and collaboration throughout the programme. . Dr. S. Rishikesavan, Consultant Pulmonologist and President of the Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists, delivered special remarks. The session concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Pramitha Shanthilatha. Dr. Rabeya Sultana, Deputy Director, STAC, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, facilitators, and participants for their valuable contributions. She acknowledged the efforts of the organizing team and thanked everyone for making the event a success.
The scientific sessions will cover a comprehensive range of topics, including an overview of TB infection; the TB preventive programme in Sri Lanka; diagnosis of TB infection; TB preventive treatment among high-risk groups and management of adverse events; recording and reporting for TPT; field-level experience on adherence support; community engagement; the common SAARC strategy for rolling out TPT; the role of multi-stakeholders; preventive treatment for DR-TB contacts; regional research collaboration (CRITIC case study); discussions on TPT challenges and the way forward; followed by a field visit to a TB clinic in Colombo.
The Regional training will conclude on 28 November 2025.
Dated: 26th November, 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka
