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Our research is addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
We aim to ensure that our evidence and experience is widely shared.
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“Emerging pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2, Nipah virus, Rotavirus, fascinate me a lot; there are just too many unknowns.” Â
I was a cricketer and was quite good at it. When I was in medical school, I wanted to become a sports physician but was probably destined to be a scientist working on emerging pathogens, of which some have pandemic potential. My knowledge and expertise in epidemiology helped me undertake the national rotavirus surveillance that produced the evidence for policymakers to consider the inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the national immunization programme. I have also worked on cholera and intussusception. From 2012, I have conducted studies and surveillance on infectious diseases in collaboration with the CDC, USA; USAID, WHO, GAVI, BMGF, CDC Foundation, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.Â
Presently, I am leading icddr,b’s outbreak response initiative and hospital-based Nipah virus surveillance in partnership with the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh, and CDC, USA. I am also leading nationwide norovirus epidemiological studies since 2018. In 2018, we successfully investigated and mitigated the ever largest Hepatitis E outbreak of Bangladesh in Chattogram.
In recognition of pioneering work on rotavirus diarrhea among the young Bangladeshi children, I received “PSF-AMAH Siddique Memorial Award-2016”. As a young scientist, I received the “ICEID 2018 Leaders program award” to contribute to emerging pathogens research in Bangladesh.
Since early 2020, I have also been working on sero-surveillance of Covid-19, which is very important to control the disease, as it requires detecting asymptomatic and mild infections.
Why I work at icddr,b:
icddr,b’s research provides the basis for public health measures in Bangladesh and the global South and saves lives. I see this as a rare opportunity for anyone to have a career in science. It is indeed very gratifying to see my work translated into policies and programmes and impacting people's health and well-being.    Â
Future Plans:
I will continue to work on emerging pathogens, including the Nipah virus, for which we have a long cohort of patients.
2021 - till date
Assistant Scientist & Deputy Project Coordinator, icddr,b
2017 - 2020
Assistant Scientist, icddr,b
2012 - 2016
Medical Officer, icddr,b
2010 - 2011
Project Research Physician, icddr,b
2010
MPH (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences
2009 - 2010
Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Ibne Sina Medical College
2008 - 2009
District Medical Officer, Health Programme (Malaria & TB), BRAC, Rangamati, Bangladesh
2007 - 2008
In charge and Medical Officer, Primary Health Care Programme, PHALS, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
2006 - 2007
Medical Officer, Post-operative Cardiac ICU, Al-Helal Cardiac Hospital
2005
MBBS, Jahurul Islam Medical College and Hospital, Kishoregonj, Bangladesh
I am an infectious disease epidemiologist conducting research studies and surveillance on infectious diseases. My research focus is enteric (rotavirus and norovirus), Nipah, and COVID-19 viruses. Since 2018, as team lead, I have been coordinating the Emerging Pathogen Research Group under the Programme for Emerging Infections.Â
2018
ICEID 2018 LEADERS PROGRAM award, USA
2017
Award for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment in Rotavirus surveillance in Bangladesh, icddr,b
Travelers Award from ASCODD 2017
2016
“PSF-AMAH Siddique Memorial Award-2016” from Bangladesh PalliShishu Foundation, in recognition of pioneering work on rotavirus diarrhea among the Bangladeshi children
Scholarship from NTP Bangladesh for masters’ dissertation entitled “Quality assessment of Directly Observed Treatment of tuberculosis”
Selected Publication:
