IEDCR a research model for maximum results with limited resources: State minister for health
Photo: Collected
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) can be an excellent model of how the productivity and capacity of national institutions can be increased by ensuring the proper use of the country’s limited resources, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhith has said.
He said this in his speech as chief guest at the inaugural session of the ‘Bangladesh FETP Conference 2026’ at the IEDCR auditorium in the capital’s Mohakhali on Sunday. The conference, titled ‘Strengthening Field Epidemiology Practice’, was jointly organised by the IEDCR and the Field Epidemiology Training Program, Bangladesh.
The state minister for health said, ‘As a national institution, the IEDCR has long been making an important contribution to the necessary training and capacity building of the country’s epidemiological workforce. In particular, their Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a highly successful initiative. Graduates of this programme are working in various leading institutions at home and abroad and are playing a commendable role in protecting public health.’
Stressing capacity building of young researchers, teachers and experts at the national level, he said, ‘Building the country’s skilled manpower was discussed in detail at a meeting of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) with the prime minister on Saturday. Although there are many good training institutions in the country, limited resources cannot be fully utilised because of a lack of coordination and far-reaching planning. The IEDCR can set an example in this regard.’
Highly praising the scientific posters and research papers displayed at the conference, MA Muhith said, ‘The posters and research displayed are of international standard. The most positive aspect is that the research has been done centring on Bangladesh’s real problems and the health risks of its huge population.’
IEDCR Director Dr Kazi Ahmed Zaki and Scientific Committee Chairman Dr SM Baki Billah presided over the event.