International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)
In Bangladesh enteric infections, infectious diseases and malnutrition are common, while maternal and infant mortality are extremely high due to the tropical climate, combined with the existence of large open water-bodies, dense population, poverty and poor access for the majority to reliable health services. In order to address these issues ICDDR,B has been working since 1978 to develop and disseminate realistic solutions to major health and nutrition problems faced by poor people.
What does ICDDR,B do
International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) is a non-profit health research and training institute with the mandate to develop and disseminate solutions to major health and population problems, with emphasis on cost-effective methods of prevention and management. It is one of the rare international health research institutes established in a developing country i.e. Bangladesh where investment of some $ 200 million over three decades have created a centre of excellence. Over 20,000 health and family planning professionals from 78 different countries have been trained and about 1,700 scientific publications in peer reviewed and comparable journals have been published since 1978.
Where does it work
ICDDR,B provides medical services to over 120,000 patients per year in its Dhaka and Matlab hospitals and to thousands of others through its urban and rural field sites.
SDC and ICDDR,B
ICDDR,B receives both core funds and project based funds from numerous donors.Since 1980, SDC has been a regular financial contributor to ICDDR,B.For the 2004-2006 funding cycle, SDC granted a core funding to the Centre in recognition to its important research works for developing countries throughout the world, and its special contribution to improve health condition in Bangladesh.
How does the Centre work
In collaboration with partners from academic and research institutions throughout the world, the Centre conducts research, training and extension activities as well as programme-based activities.Since 1978, the Centre has shared its knowledge and techniques by training more than 25,000 health professionals from over 81 countries of the world.ICDDR,B provides medical services to over 120,000 patients per year in its Dhaka and Matlab hospitals and to thousands of others through its urban and rural field sites.
The Centre is governed by a distinguished multinational Board of Trustees comprising 17 members from all over the world.
The Centre works through six divisions: Clinical Sciences Division (CSD), Public Health Sciences Division (PHSD), Laboratory Sciences Division (LSD), Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division (HSID), Information Sciences Division (ISD) and Executive Director’s Division.
The Centre routinely secures full or partial scholarships for its scientific staff to complete graduate and doctoral degrees and post-doctorate work at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.In addition, the Centre holds annual Bangladesh-specific training and workshops to build the capacity of local NGO and government staff and assist these agencies in addressing emerging health needs.
Strategic plan of ICDDR,B till 2010
The Centre has contributed in many ways to the current progresses in the health sector, of which oral saline development is one good example.It continues to play an important role for the achievement of the MDGs, through its effort to reduce child mortality, to improve maternal health and to combat infectious diseases.Following are the advances they believe that can be made by the year 2010.
Contribute to the introduction of cost-effective strategies for zinc therapy in diarrhoea.
Help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and improve prenatal and neonatal health.
Develop an effective package for the prevention of foetal growth restriction.
Help identify a package of suitable vaccines for diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections (ARI).
Define the burden of tuberculosis and identify effective strategies for prevention and control.
Address stagnation of fertility decline.
Help prevent the epidemic of HIV-AIDS and RTI (Reproductive Tract Infections)/STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Contribute to knowledge that can impact the burden of vector-borne diseases (dengue, malaria).
Budget
SDC has granted a core fund of US$ 3 million, amounting US$ 1 million per year for the period from 2004-2006 and subsequent phase is in preparation.In 2006, 5% of the total grant received by ICDDR,B came from SDC.
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