DHAKA, Oct 31 2024 (BSS)- Decreasing availability of donor funds has led to a growing funding gap in implementing the national strategic plan for TB control in the country.

It was told in a workshop organized by Icddr,b here yesterday, a press release said today. 

The workshop titled ‘Public-Private Collaboration: Investment Towards Ending TB in Bangladesh’ was organized in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) and with the support from Stop TB Partnership programme of UN. 

The event gathered government leaders, private healthcare representatives and key stakeholders to discuss the investments and strategies needed to eliminate TB in Bangladesh, the press release said.

Dr Shahriar Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Party for USAID’s Alliance, presented the keynote paper of the workshop. 

In the keynote paper he provided an overview of the current TB burden, identified gaps in existing strategies, and emphasised the need for stronger private sector involvement in TB control efforts nationwide. 

He stressed the importance of effectively engaging private sector healthcare providers and pharmaceutical industries to address this gap and support progress towards achieving End TB targets by 2035.

Dr Md. Mahafuzer Rahman Sarker, Line Director of TB-L & ASP at the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) affirmed the government’s commitment to TB elimination, emphasising the importance of collaboration between government and private entities to achieve the national goal. 

Senior scientist and head of the programme for emerging infections at icddr,b Dr Sayera Banu, Programme Manager-TB of NTP Dr Md Zahangir Kabir and Managing Director of General Pharmaceuticals Rafidul Haq, among others, addressed the workshop.

The workshop concluded with an actionable roadmap for advancing TB care through public-private partnerships.