Public Health Leadership: CIPRB 20-Year Legacy
09 Feb 2025

CIPRB Celebrates 20 Years of Public Health Research in Bangladesh

Since its establishment on February 6, 2005, the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) has played a leading role in public health and overall well-being of the people. Even though this organisation started its research efforts aiming for injury prevention, it has made notable contributions to several public health issues over the last 20 years, including nutrition, mental health, maternal and child health, and the prevention of infectious and non-communicable diseases. CIPRB has been recognized as a reliable institution for public health research at the national and international levels, publishing 219 research papers in international journals. It has also significantly contributed to developing 10 health policies, guidelines, and strategies at the national level. Moreover, CIPRB's research output on drowning prevention has played a vital role in two separate resolutions of the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

A Grand Celebration

To celebrate its achievements over the past two decades, CIPRB organized a celebration event at a convention centre in Dhaka on February 6, 2025, in the presence of eminent personalities and well-wishers whose constant supervision, advice, and support have played an instrumental role in the 20-year journey of CIPRB.

Key Speakers and Remarks

National Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) and Chairman of the Health Sector Reform Commission, stated, “With the combined efforts of over 6,000 dedicated professionals, including researchers, field workers, and volunteers, CIPRB is actively contributing to national health strategies, training, and empowering communities.”

Dr. Vibhavendra Singh Raghuvanshi, Chief of Health at UNFPA Bangladesh, acknowledged CIPRB's efforts in tackling social taboos and improving reproductive and mental health awareness in remote areas.

Dr. Rajesh Nawal, Deputy WHO Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the need for a ‘National Health Research System’ and recommended allocating at least 2% of the health sector budget for research.

Prof. Dr. Sayeba Akhter, Chairman of BMRC and Member of the Health Sector Reform Commission, highlighted CIPRB’s significant contributions to reducing fistula and postpartum mortality, especially in marginalized communities.

Achievements and Contributions

In his welcome speech, Professor Dr. Md. Mazharul Hoque, President of CIPRB, noted the organization's role in major global reports on child injury and drowning prevention, as well as its impact on national and international road accident prevention research. He mentioned that 17 researchers from CIPRB have obtained PhD degrees and that the institution has provided health services to over 5 million people and facilitated skill development for 60,000 individuals.

Executive Director Prof. Dr. AKM Fazlur Rahman presented CIPRB’s 20-year achievements in his speech titled ‘From Margin to Mainstream: CIPRB’s 20 Years’ Impact on Health Research.’ He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the journey.

Scientific Discussion

During the event, Dr. Aminur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director, presented a discussion titled ‘Scientific Discussion on Intersection between Climate Change and Injury & Health,’ chaired by Professor Dr. M A Faiz, former Director General of the Health Directorate. Experts discussed the effects of climate change on public health and the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle emerging challenges.

Contributors included Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman (icddr,b), Prof. Dr. Md. Ziaul Islam (NIPSOM), and Dr. AM Zakir Hossain (Community Clinic Health Assistance Trust).

Closing Remarks

In the concluding remarks, Dr. Salim Mahmud Chowdhury, Director of the Health System Research Division & Road Traffic Injury Prevention and Research Unit at CIPRB, expressed hope that the recommendations from the event would guide the organization's future endeavors.

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