Comments from mothers on the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) creche concerning breast-feeding promotion and maternal support are presented. The creche would be open from 6 am to 10 pm, with 16 mothers and their children currently using the facilities. All the mothers were very satisfied with the creche. Their babies stayed happy and well. They were not distracted by the thought of their baby crying for them at home; thus, they could concentrate better on their work. With this small but valuable contribution, ICDDR,B is establishing a reputation for being a mother- and baby-friendly organization.
This article describes the activities of the Matlab Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Evaluation Project in Bangladesh. IMCI strategy was adopted in 1992, to control diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections (ARIs), achieve universal childhood immunization, and provide other nutrition and disease-specific primary health care activities. The IMCI approach relies on interventions for integrating the prevention and treatment of major childhood illnesses by reducing mortality, reducing the frequency and severity of illnesses and disabilities, and improving child growth and development. There is integrated management of ARIs, diarrhea, measles, malaria, and malnutrition. The strategy involves family and community practices, case management skills of health workers, and health service delivery systems. Operations research documents improvements in health outcomes, efficiency of resource use, cost effectiveness, and adaptation to local conditions. Bangladesh is implementing two pilot IMCI projects in two thanas in a new initiative. Research will focus on family and community practices, clinical case management, operations research, and evaluation of the costs and efficacy of IMCI strategies in Matlab. Matlab's Training and Education Department will make major contributions to the adaptation of training materials and methodology of the research. The Centre of Excellence will train in facility management and illness management with practicums supported by the pilot projects. The Centre may become a regional resource center and coordinate all the training and national and global research of the program.
The ICDDR,B's 7th Annual Scientific Conference (ASCON VII) held February 1998 focused upon nutrition and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in Asia and globally. The ICDDR,B invited international experts as well as local and regional NGO representatives to present their research findings to an audience of research scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and members of the press. Keynote speakers discussed the seriousness of the current level of malnutrition in Bangladesh, a country with the greatest number of malnourished children, and the need for Bangladesh to develop health strategies and programs at the national level to eliminate malnutrition. Conference discussions and findings presented covered a broad range of issues from micronutrient deficiencies to socioeconomic variables associated with malnutrition and their impact upon child mortality and morbidity. ASCON VII underscored the significance of collaboration in developing national strategies and goals in addressing an important child survival issue in Bangladesh and South Asia overall. The conference also highlighted the importance of the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Program, a national strategy in which the center is playing an important role.
The Chakaria Community Health Project (CCHP) was launched during late 1994 as part of the activities of the Public Health Sciences Division of the ICDDR,B. CCHP is based in 6 unions of Chakaria thana under Cox's Bazaar district, with 2 adjacent unions in the thana serving as comparison areas. CCHP's goal is to empower community members such that they are able to avoid and manage health problems through individual and collective actions for improved and sustained health. Major objectives are to develop strategies to ensure community participation in health activities; identify and establish a threshold-level external input which gives enough impetus to community initiatives without making them dependent upon external agencies; improve public health by raising awareness about health and health problems; promote appropriate preventive and curative measures; disseminate information upon available health-related resources in the locality; and study the impact of project activities upon community health.
This article describes the international training workshops conducted by the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). During May 4-15, 1997, an international training course was conducted on the Laboratory Diagnosis of Common Diarrheal Disease Agents. The aim was to update the knowledge and skills of health professionals. 11 participants learned procedures for isolation and identification of pathogens, preparation of culture media, and laboratory safety. It is expected that those trained will spread their knowledge to others upon return to their home countries. A 4-week introductory course was conducted on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The aim was to train persons from national institutions and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) how to plan, design, analyze, and undertake epidemiological studies. A 2-week course was held on Emergency Response to Cholera and Shigella Epidemics. 12 participants from international NGOs that respond to disaster situations gained skills in managing epidemics and learning how to identify and apply measures to reduce morbidity and mortality from acute diarrhea in emergency and disaster situations. Participants learned how to recognize and manage patients with cholera and shigellosis and how to prepare an action plan for treatment and control purposes. This course consisted of theoretical lectures, hands-on training, and practical training. The Center's success in intervening in the Rwandan cholera epidemic justifies continued training for next year as well. 13 participants attended a 2-week course on Clinical Management of Diarrheal Diseases.
