Leaders of member countries of Saarc have decided to make Saarc Tuberculosis Center (STC) more effective for prevention and control of TB and HIV related tuberculosis disease in the region.
According to Saarc Secretariat, Saarc Tuberculosis Center is a regional Center and is co-ordinating the efforts of the national tuberculosis control programmes (NTPs) of member countries and functioning since 1992.
The center is headed by the governing board comprising eight eminent experts in the field of tuberculosis control, one each nominated by seven member countries and the director of the center who works as member secretary.
In addition, one representative of Saarc secretary general and one from the ministry of foreign affairs, His Majesty's Government of Nepal participate in the meeting of the board.
It may be recalled here that the second meeting of the foreign ministers of Saarc member countries held at Male in July, 1984 suggested formulation of specific projects pertaining to one of the five disease control areas identified by working group of health & population activities.
On the suggestion, a proposal for establishment of the Saarc TB center in Nepal was submitted.
The technical committee at its 8th meeting held in Colombo from July 16 to 18, 1990 considered the proposal.
The standing committee at its 13th session held at Male from November 16 to 17, 1990 decided that a revised proposal on the regional center for tuberculosis be prepared by Nepal.