ORS Legacy Lives: Pioneer of Rice-ORS Innovation Dr. Majid Molla Passes Away
Dr. Abdul Majid Molla, a pioneering researcher behind the invention of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and rice-ORS, and a distinguished figure in pediatrics and global public health, has passed away. He died on 8 May in the capital Dhaka at the age of 85. icddr,b has expressed profound condolence over his death.
The information was confirmed by A K M Tariful Islam Khan, Head of Communication at icddr,b. He said that Dr. Molla was born in 1941 and completed his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1963. He dedicated his life to improving child health, researching diarrhoeal diseases, and advancing medical education in South Asia and other parts of the world.
He further stated that Dr. Molla has left behind a legacy that continues to influence healthcare globally. His work will remain part of a scientific journey that has improved and saved countless lives across generations.
Notably, his association with the then Pakistan-SEATO Cholera Research Laboratory (CRL)—now icddr,b—began in 1965. In 1975, he earned his PhD from the University of Louvain, where he conducted research on celiac disease in children suffering from diarrhoea and simultaneously gained specialization in pediatrics.
In 1978, he rejoined icddr,b as a scientist and continued his work in clinical research, patient care, and child health. He was widely respected for his dedication to patient care and commitment to scientific excellence.
His significant contributions to clinical research—particularly his role in the development of rice-ORS—are considered a groundbreaking achievement in the management of diarrhoeal diseases. In the mid-1980s, he joined Aga Khan University as Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics.
Later, in 1992, he served as Professor of Pediatrics at Kuwait University, continuing his contributions to child health and medical education at the international level.
Dr. Molla is survived by his wife, one son, and two daughters. His wife, Dr. Ayesha Molla, was also a respected member of icddr,b and served as an Associate Scientist.
At a critical period in the history of diarrhoeal disease research, Professor Molla was part of a generation of scientists and physicians whose work brought revolutionary changes in the treatment of dehydration and saved millions of lives worldwide.
His contributions to the development of ORS and rice-ORS have played a pivotal role in advancing one of the most important public health innovations in modern medicine.
DBTech/BTO/MUM/OR
