ICDDR,B Collaborates with Health Ministry to Expand Cost-Effective ‘Bubble CPAP’ Technology

In response to the recent outbreak of ham and associated pneumonia-related child mortality in the country, ICDDR,B has begun working jointly with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In this context, the Ministry has instructed nationwide expansion of the cost-effective ‘Bubble CPAP’ technology developed by ICDDR,B, as announced by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakawat Hossain.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday morning, March 31, in the minister’s office at the Ministry. Attending on behalf of ICDDR,B were Executive Director Dr. Tahmid Ahmed, Senior Scientist Dr. Zubayer Chishti, and Director of the Child Hospital and Institute Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Haque. The Executive Director informed the minister that children aged 6 months to 3 years are at the highest risk among the currently affected, and nearly 30 percent of hospitalized ham-infected children develop pneumonia.

During the meeting, ICDDR,B proposed using the innovative and cost-effective ‘Bubble CPAP’ technology to manage the current situation. The technology is highly effective in reducing respiratory complications in children. Emphasis was placed on employing ICDDR,B’s proprietary ‘Bubble CPAP’ as a key measure to address this crisis.

Research indicates that this technology is significantly more economical than conventional mechanical ventilators, with each unit costing approximately 300 BDT to produce. According to studies published in the international medical journal The Lancet, the technology is even more effective in saving children’s lives than the standard oxygen systems recommended by the World Health Organization.

Following ICDDR,B’s proposal, the Health Minister directed rapid implementation. Officials expressed optimism that, like the minister, this initiative will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and reducing child mortality.

Later in the day, a meeting on ‘Bubble CPAP’ technology was held at the Ministry’s conference room, attended by directors and specialist doctors from over 30 government hospitals across the country. Dr. Zubayer Chishti highlighted the scientific efficacy of ‘Bubble CPAP’, while Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Haque and Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman presented successful applications of the technology and its life-saving impact at their respective institutions.

ICDDR,B will provide technical support and training for the initiative. Following the minister’s directive, the first phase of training under Professor Mahbubul’s supervision will commence on April 2 at the Child Hospital and Institute. Joint Secretary of the Health Services Division Dr. Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman and Director (Hospital) of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan will coordinate the program.

DBTech/SM/EK/OR