STAC is one of the Regional Centres of SAARC working for prevention and control of TB and HIV/AIDS in the Region by coordinating the efforts of the national Tuberculosis Control Programmes (NTPs) and National AIDS Control Programmes (NACPs) of Member States.
The second meeting of the Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member Countries held at Male in July 1984 suggested for formulation of specific projects pertaining to one of the five disease control areas identified by working group of health & population activities. Accordingly, a proposal for establishment of the SAARC TB Centre in Nepal was submitted. The Technical Committee at its eighth meeting held in Colombo from 16 to 18 July 1990 considered the proposal. The Standing Committee at its thirteenth session held at Male from 16 to 17 November 1990 decided that a revised proposal on the regional centre for Tuberculosis be prepared by Nepal.
The Heads of State or Government of Member Countries of SAARC at their Fifth Summit held in Male from 22 to 23 November 1990 decided that SAARC Tuberculosis Centre would be set up in Nepal. In this way the SAARC TB Centre (STAC) came into existence and started it functioning since 1992 as one of the Regional centres of SAARC. The center has been renamed as SAARC TB and HIV/AIDS center from 2006
Objectives of STAC
The objective of STAC is to work for prevention and control of TB & HIV related TB in the Region by coordinating the efforts of the National Tuberculosis Control Programmes of the Member Countries.
Later on STAC has been mandated to work for prevention & control of HIV/AIDS in the Region.
Functions of STAC
To act as a Regional Co-ordination Centre for National Tuberculosis Control Programmes and National HIV/AIDS Control Programmes in the Region.
To promote and coordinate action for the prevention of TB/HIV co-infection in the Region
To collect, collate, analyze and disseminate all relevant information regarding the latest development and findings in the field of Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the Region and elsewhere.
To establish a networking arrangement among the National Tuberculosis Programmes, National AIDS Control Programmes of Member Countries and to conduct surveys, researches etc.
To initiate, undertake and coordinate the Research and Training in Technical Bio-medical, operational and other aspects related to Tuberculosis Control Programmes & HIV/AIDS Control Programmes in the Region.
To monitor incidence, prevalence and emergence of drug resistant strains of Tuberculosis in the Region.
To assist Member Countries for harmonization of policies and strategies on TB, HIV/AIDS and TB/HIV co-infection.
To assist National TB Reference Laboratories in the Region in quality assurance of sputum microscopy and standardization of culture and drug sensitivity testing and implementation of bio-safety measures.
To carryout other important works identified by the technical committees and Governing Board.
