PRESS RELEASE
In line with the resolutions of the Thirty-Second Meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC), the “SAARC Regional Workshop on the Multi-sectoral Accountability Framework for TB and HIV/AIDS in SAARC member states” was inaugurated on 10 December 2025 at the Legend Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan. The event is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person (Pakistan) and virtual (Bangladesh. Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) participation.
The workshop is designed to achieve the objectives to understand the existing accountability frameworks of National TB and HIV/AIDS programmes in SAARC Member States; to strengthen the four pillars of accountability: commitments, actions, review and monitoring, and reporting; to enhance multi-sector and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve regional TB and HIV/AIDS responses and to incorporate the perspectives of patients and civil society to ensure more inclusive and responsive accountability mechanisms.
The inauguration ceremony was honored by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghouri, Special Secretary Health, Government of Pakistan, who served as the Chief Guest; Mr. Laeeq Ahmed, National Coordinator, Common Management Unit (CMU) Pakistan; Dr. Abdul Wali Khan, Deputy National Coordinator, CMU Pakistan; and Dr. Rabeya Sultana, Deputy Director of the SAARC TB and HIV/AIDS Centre, Nepal. The event witnessed participation from across the region, with delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka joining virtually, while participants from Pakistan attended the ceremony in person.
Dr. Abdul Wali Khan delivered his welcome remarks. Mr. Laeeq Ahmed emphasized the need for strong cross-program coordination within the CMU framework, noting that integrated planning, collaboration with provincial health departments, and engagement with civil society are key to building inclusive and effective accountability systems.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghouri, emphasized the critical role of political commitment. He noted that strong political leadership at both national and regional levels is essential to ensure that multisectoral accountability mechanisms are sustainable, adequately funded, and fully integrated into national strategic and operational plans.
Dr. Rabeya Sultana, Deputy Director of STAC, delivered an overview of the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre, outlining its mandate and its role in fostering collaboration among Member States. She also shared key regional epidemiological trends for TB and HIV/AIDS, noting that although the region continues to face significant challenges in reaching the End TB and End AIDS targets, there is strong optimism that enhanced cooperation and collective commitment. She underscored that this is precisely why accountability extending beyond the health sector has become increasingly vital.
Dr. Anuj Bhattachan, Director of STAC, delivered his remarks virtually and expressed sincere appreciation to all SAARC Member States for their continued commitment to regional health cooperation. He thanked the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs for their support in advancing STAC’s initiatives. He also extended special gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for hosting this important workshop and providing a valuable platform for strengthening multi-sectoral accountability across the region.
As per the agenda, the workshop will be conducted 10th to 12th December and the sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Afrasyab, Dr. Wali, and Dr. Abdul Raheem as local Resource Persons. Ms.Sana Saleem, Director Public Health, Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Health, Maldives attending as a Regional resource person. Additional sessions will be facilitated by CMU TB and HIV focal persons and resource from development partners e.g., WHO, Mercy corps.
SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC)
10 December 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan
