In 2023, Bangladesh faced its most severe dengue outbreak in two decades, resulting in 1,705 deaths—making it the deadliest globally that year. A recent icddr,b study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene indicates that the outbreak could be primarily driven by the resurgence of the DENV-2 strain, responsible for about 74% of cases.

In developing countries, including Bangladesh, nearly 250 million children under five fail to reach their full developmental potential due to factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate parenting skills. Alongside providing essential facilities for children's development, it is critical to implement early childhood stimulation programs and promote active participation. Today, icddr,b hosted a dissemination seminar at its Sasakawa Auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka, sharing decades of research on early childhood development through government primary healthcare initiatives aimed at maximising Bangladeshi children's potential for a smarter Bangladesh.

A stakeholder meeting titled “Developing heat mitigation training package to improve ready-made garment (RMG) workers’ health conditions in Bangladesh” was held today at icddr,b, in Dhaka.

A recent study conducted by icddr,b scientists along with their partners in urban Bangladesh has revealed substantial advancements in child development through a pioneering parenting and nutrition education programme. Published in The Lancet, the research, titled "Effect of a parenting and nutrition education programme on development and growth of children using a social safety-net platform in urban Bangladesh: a cluster randomised controlled trial," sheds light on the critical impact of early childhood interventions in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).

Today, Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, had the honour of meeting with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. During this significant meeting, Dr Ahmed conveyed the collective gratitude of icddr,b staff for the enactment of the icddr,b Act 2022.

A first of its kind study has revealed the presence and prevalence of social stigma impacting individuals with tuberculosis (TB) and their family members. The National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), in collaboration with icddr,b, hosted a seminar to share the findings of the study, titled 'Exploring Tuberculosis-related Stigma in Bangladesh'. The study is funded by the Global Fund.

A comprehensive study, conducted by Dr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman Sarker et al. in 2020 with 872 adults from the Mirzapur Demographic Surveillance System in Bangladesh, has revealed that smokeless tobacco (SLT) comprised of Zarda, Sadapata, and Gul consumption is significantly associated with an increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This groundbreaking research sheds light on a critical health concern often overshadowed by broader tobacco discussions.

The NIHR Global Health Centres Symposium was inaugurated on 04 March 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hosted by icddr,b and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK (NIHR) this premier event has convened 60 leading experts, thought leaders, and professionals from five global health centres in West Africa, Latin America, South Asia and South East Asia.

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) and icddr,b have joined forces in a pioneering initiative to advance healthcare waste management through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at EBL's head office in Dhaka on 24 January 2024.

Dr Sayera Banu, Senior Scientist and Head of the Programme for Emerging Infections at IDD, has garnered remarkable accolades by earning Fellowships from the esteemed Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS) for 2022 and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for 2024.