July 8: Delegates and health experts from SAARC member countries are attending the SAARC Expert Group Meeting to Develop a Regional Strategy on Communicable Diseases.

Health experts from the SAARC region have gathered in Paro to discuss the status of communicable diseases in their respective countries. At the end of the two day meeting, they will draw up a strategy for sharing information on communicable diseases.

The Director of Department of Public Health Dr. Ugyen Dophu said it is important to understand the status of emerging and resurfacing diseases in the region and globally. The meeting he said will help develop a strategy for sharing information on communicable diseases.

He said it is not cost effective to conduct researches and build laboratories in individual countries. Dr. Ugyen Dophu said it is important to share information and conduct the exercise in collaboration with health experts in the region.

Mr. Hussian Shifau, a SAARC director, said the job cannot be done by just developing the strategy. He said it is important to evaluate and monitor the progress of works for an effective implementation.

The meeting is organized by the department of public health with funds from the SAARC Secretariat.