PRESS RELEASE
SAARC Regional Training on Implementation of Shorter Oral Regimen for MDR-TB (BPAL-M) Held in Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh | 1–3 September 2026
SAARC TB and HIV/ AIDS Centre (STAC), Nepal successfully conducted the “Regional Training on Implementation of Shorter Oral Regimen for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)” in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in hybrid mode, from 1st to 3rd September 2026 in accordance with the approved Calendar of Activities of the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC) for the year 2026.
The training aims to:
- To understand about the global/regional scenario of DR TB and its management;
- To discuss evidence-based management of DR TB with shorter and longer oral regimens;
- To update recent advances in the management of DR TB with shorter regimen;
- To discuss about programmatic Management of DR TB in resource limited settings using shorter oral regimen;
The training was attended by delegates from the Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Foara Tasmim, Additional Director General (Planning and Development), DGHS as a Chief Guest. Dr. Mohammad Shahariar Sajjad, Director, Mycobacterial Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), chaired the opening session. Dr. Chuman Lal Das, Director, SAARC TB and HIV/ AIDS Centre (STAC) delivered the welcome remarks. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, facilitators, and participants for their presence and commitment. He emphasized the importance to strengthen the knowledge and capacity for the effective management of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Dr. Rabeya Sultana, Deputy Director, STAC delivered the vote of thanks. She acknowledged the efforts of the organizing team and thanked everyone for making the event a success.
The training started with the presentation of objectives and expected outcomes, followed by an overview of the tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB burden in the SAARC Region. Participants from the Member States shared their respective country experiences on the implementation of BPAL-M regimens, covering the current status, best practices, implementation challenges, and lessons learned.
The technical sessions covered recent WHO recommendations and advances in drug-resistant TB management, laboratory and diagnostic services, and programmatic management in resource-limited settings, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion of country-specific experiences.
During the closing session, participants Dr. Vinay Garg (India) and Dr. Shahid Anwar expressed appreciation to STAC and highlighted the importance of strengthening capacity for effective MDR-TB management, with a suggestion for a refresher training in the future. Dr. Arefin Saki, on behalf of the resource persons, appreciated STAC’s initiative and emphasized its contribution to TB elimination, recommending greater physical participation in future trainings.
Dr. Chuman Lal Das, Director, STAC, thanked all resource persons, participants and partners and expressed confidence that the training would strengthen the implementation of shorter oral MDR-TB regimens across SAARC Member States. Dr. Mohammed Shariar Sajjad, Director, MBDC, DGHS, Bangladesh, appreciated STAC and all concerned for the successful conduct of the programme.
The session concluded with the distribution of certificates and tokens of appreciation, followed by the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Samita Adhikary, Research Officer, STAC.
The Regional training completed successfully on 3rd September 2026.
