Bangladesh Stakeholders Advocate for Rapid Roll-Out of Shorter, Modern DR-TB Treatment
In a high-level stakeholder consultation held in Dhaka, public health leaders and global experts stressed the urgent need to accelerate the deployment of highly-effective, shorter DR-TB treatment regimens in Bangladesh—a critical step toward ending drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in the country.
Organized by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) with technical support from Nari Maitree, TB Alliance, and under the banner of the Fast Track the Cure initiative, the consultation brought together senior government officials, representatives of the National TB Control Program (NTP), civil society organizations, and international experts.
A Treatment Revolution: BPaL/M
At the heart of the discussion was the short-term, all-oral BPaL/M regimen, which reduces treatment duration for DR-TB from up to 20 months to just six months and without the need for painful injections. According to global technical data presented by Salah Foraida, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at TB Alliance, this regimen has “revolutionized TB care globally,” and its introduction in Bangladesh has the potential to dramatically cut suffering and improve patient outcomes.
Experts also highlighted the importance of policy-level planning to ensure sustainable supply chains and widespread access to these new medicines, a critical component for successful rollout and long-term impact, as emphasized by TB Alliance’s, Akshaya Patil.
"This 6-month injection-free regimen has revolutionized TB care globally. Its implementation in Bangladesh will play a pivotal role in ending the long-term suffering of patients."
- Salah Foraida, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, TB Alliance
Local Commitment to Global Goals
DSCC Administrator Md Mahbubul Hassan underscored the link between health and development, noting that ensuring strong public health systems is key to building a “Smart Dhaka.” He pledged the administrative support needed to bring the modern BPaL/M regimen to every level of care across the city.
Dr. Shah Ali Akbar Ashrafi, former Director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), echoed this optimism, pointing out that the new regimen’s shorter duration and oral formulation make it far more patient-friendly and better suited to real-world use.
Community Engagement for Detection and Access
Representatives from Nari Maitree stressed that community detection and early referrals are vital for reaching densely populated urban areas where TB transmission remains high. They reaffirmed their commitment, alongside the NTP and TB Alliance, to ensure that modern DR-TB treatments reach marginalized and underserved communities.
Addressing Stigma and Barriers
The consultation also included broad participation from civil society organizations and health officials, who highlighted the persistent barriers to TB detection and care, including social stigma and low awareness in local communities. Participants stressed the need for integrated action plans that combine new medical tools with strengthened community engagement and social support.
To conclude the meeting, stakeholders signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to transforming Dhaka into a TB-free city, a symbolic but powerful step toward national elimination goals.