Humanitarian relief efforts

People in Bangladesh and globally benefit from icddr,b's research evidence, experience and technical expertise. Lessons learned from over 50 years of managing acute diarrhoea and cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh are shared by icddr,b’s scientists, doctors and nurses who provide emergency technical assistance worldwide.

Global humanitarian response  

When serious outbreaks of cholera occur, the World Health Organization calls upon icddr,b experts to provide rapid-response teams, train-the-trainer workshops on case management, and laboratory services and training.

As part of a featured Clinton Global Initiative commitment: icddr,b partnered with AmeriCares, a US based emergency response organisation. Americares ensures essential supplies arrive with icddr,b experts so that no time is lost in saving lives. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Merck Foundation have provided funding to support this innovative initiative.

icddr,b has provided management of large-scale outbreaks and training to local clinicians to Ministries of Health and local authorities in Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Haiti, Iraq, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and most recently, the Horn of Africa and Sierra Leone.

A growing emphasis of our work in the area is on preparedness; equipping countries to prevent or limit disease outbreaks in disaster situations.

Local humanitarian response

Bangladesh is vulnerable to the effects of climate-change, including cyclones and flooding. At times of disaster, icddr,b's doctors, nurses and technical experts offer support to relief efforts, and advice to the Government of Bangladesh.

During the response to Cyclone Aila, medical teams of senior staff physicians delivered over 1000 litres of IV fluid, 2000 packs of ORS and other emergency medicines including antibiotics, skin ointments, and water purification mixtures.