ICDDR,B Celebrates 65 Years of Scientific Service and South Asian Nutrition Research
To celebrate its 65th anniversary, ICDDR,B organized a special seminar titled “Half a Century of Nutrition Research Across South Asia.” The event highlighted decades of scientific innovation and public-health impact in Bangladesh.
The programme was held on Thursday, 27 November, at the Sasakawa Auditorium of ICDDR,B’s Mohakhali campus, where diplomats, researchers, alumni, development partners, and ICDDR,B staff gathered to honour the institution’s long journey of life-saving research.
Welcoming the attendees, ICDDR,B’s Executive Director Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed expressed deep gratitude to long-standing donor communities, alumni, corporate partners, development agencies, and collaborators.
“Our priority is not merely publishing scientific papers,” he said. “What matters is applying research findings to bring real, positive change to people’s lives. Such impact has been possible due to the dedication of our scientists, laboratory teams, hospitals, field workers, and the support of international partners, donor countries, and the growing contributions of local donors, industries, and businesses.”
In the absence of Tracy Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, her message was read by Senior Health Specialist Sushmita Khan.
The statement recalled that the United States has been a partner of ICDDR,B since 1979—supporting research advancement, global policy leadership, and health-system strengthening in Bangladesh and beyond. Jacobson praised ICDDR,B’s contributions to disease surveillance, outbreak prevention, and vaccine research, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to deepen cooperation under the “America First Global Health Strategy.”
The chief guest, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, lauded ICDDR,B’s world-class research and its service to vulnerable populations. He noted that Canada’s long partnership with the institution is a point of national pride.
“Health challenges facing vulnerable populations in Bangladesh are relevant for Canada and the world today,” he stated, emphasising that no country can sustain economic progress without a strong public-health system.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Keith P. West Jr., George G. Graham Professor of Infant and Child Nutrition at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Beginning his career in Bangladesh during the 1974 famine, Prof. West shared insights from five decades of research across Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indonesia—work that opened new frontiers in understanding micronutrient deficiency, maternal nutrition, and child survival.
Drawing on findings from large-scale studies including the ‘JiVitA’ project in Bangladesh, he highlighted the importance of improving women’s nutrition before conception. Recent results from the ‘JiVitA’ trial show that women who begin MMS supplementation before pregnancy experience nearly 30% lower early-pregnancy loss compared to those who start supplementation only after conception.
He stressed that in populations where malnutrition persists, early nutritional support can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes.
Prof. West presented several historic items from his personal collection—including early Bangladesh maps, an original oral rehydration solution (ORS) measuring device, and rare books—as mementos to Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed.
The two-day anniversary celebration began on Wednesday with a festive fair featuring departmental exhibits and stalls showcasing crafts, clothing, food items, and research innovations by ICDDR,B teams. The first day concluded with a cultural performance by ICDDR,B staff. The celebrations continued on Thursday with the nutrition research seminar, reaffirming ICDDR,B’s founding mission and long-standing partnerships.
Even after 65 years, ICDDR,B continues to make remarkable contributions to global public health. Recent recognition includes inclusion in TIME’s “Best Inventions” list for socially impactful innovations and the Executive Director’s placement in the TIME Health 100 list.
The celebrations underscored ICDDR,B’s steadfast commitment to evidence-based research, health-system strengthening, and improving lives in Bangladesh and around the world.
DBTech/BT/EK/OR
