Press Release–Thirty-Fourth Governing Board (GB) Meeting SAARC TUBERCULOSIS & HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC)

Press Release

Thirty-Fourth Governing Board (GB) Meeting

SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC)
29–30 September 2026

Date: 30 September 2026

The SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC) successfully convened its Thirty-Fourth Governing Board (GB) Meeting on 29–30 September 2026 in Malé, Maldives.

The meeting was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Rafeeq Hassan, Minister of State, Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare.

The two-day Governing Board meeting was attended virtually by esteemed representatives from the Governments of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Maldives, the Republic of Nepal, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The meeting was also attended in person by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, Government of the Republic of Maldives, as well as officials from the SAARC Secretariat.

The meeting was convened under the distinguished chairpersonship of Ms. Sana Saleem, Chairperson of the Governing Board of STAC and Director of Public Health, Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Health, Republic of Maldives.

During the meeting, the Members of the Governing Board reviewed key matters concerning the Centre’s programmes, activities, and future priorities. The discussions provided an important platform for constructive deliberations, exchange of views, and strategic guidance towards strengthening the Centre’s role in supporting regional cooperation in the areas of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

The Governing Board Members expressed their sincere appreciation to STAC for the commendable arrangements and for the comprehensive and high-quality presentations delivered during the two-day meeting. They reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting the Centre’s endeavours and to strengthening effective and transparent governance mechanisms.

The Members also extended their best wishes for the successful implementation of STAC’s Programme of Work for 2027, which seeks to contribute to the shared regional vision of a South Asia free from tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, in line with the collective commitments and targets of the SAARC Member States.

The Thirty-Fourth Governing Board Meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued regional collaboration, coordination, and collective action in addressing tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and in advancing the health and well-being of the people of the SAARC region.

The meeting concluded successfully, with the valuable contributions and constructive guidance of all esteemed Members of the Governing Board. The recommendations and guidance provided by the Board are expected to further strengthen the Centre’s operational efficiency and strategic direction and facilitate the timely and effective implementation of its programme of work for the coming year.