SAARC Tuberculosis Centre (STC), Kathmandu

The STC was set up in 1992 in Kathmandu. The main objective of the STC is to work towards the prevention and control of TB in the region by coordinating the efforts of the National TB Programmes of Member States.

It serves as a Regional Coordination Centre for National Tuberculosis Control Programmes in the region and functions as a centre for information exchange and related activities by collecting, collating, analysing and disseminating all relevant information regarding the latest developments and findings in the field of tuberculosis in the region and elsewhere. It is also working to establish a networking arrangement among the National Tuberculosis Programmes. Among its objectives are to initiate, undertake and coordinate research and training in technical, biomedical, operational and other aspects related to tuberculosis control programmes in the region; to ensure adequate supply at low cost of anti-tuberculosis drugs and other related supplies in all the Member States; to monitor incidence, prevalence and emergence of drug resistant strains of tuberculosis in the region; to promote action on issues relating to HIV related tuberculosis in the SAARC region; and to carry out any other functions related to tuberculosis at the directive of the Technical Committee on Social Development.

A project proposal for the enhancement of the STC's capacity to deal with HIV/AIDS related tuberculosis under the SAARC-CIDA Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared and a Regional Strategy on TB and HIV/AIDS Control is being formulated.

The STC has developed a format for collection of information related to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS from SAARC Member States. The Centre also publishes a newsletter twice a /ear which includes its activities, special articles and technical information on TB.

The STC has been organising seminars, workshops, and training programmes related to TB control. Experts and TB Programme Managers are kept informed about recent developments in the field of TB control in and around the region, including information from W.H.O.

The Centre also organizes meetings of National TB Programme Managers of Member States to discuss the problems faced during implementation of programmes.

For more information, please visit its website at www.saarctb.com.np