With the understanding that the management of severe malnutrition and diarrhoealdisease are an essential part of the treatment protocol for many childhood illnesses as well as conditions such as childhood cancer, icddr,b’s Centre for Nutrition & Food Security (CNFS) has initiated a partnership with Bangabandhu Sheikh MujibMedical University (BSMMU) by offering specialised training to post-graduate medical students. One of the top government-run post-graduate medical institutions in the country, BSMMU provides high quality postgraduate education in various areas. icddr,b has a distinguished track record in undertaking research on and finding solutions to prevent severe malnutrition and diarrhoeal diseases – two of the greatest health challenges among young children in Bangladesh and within the developing world

 

This training initiative highlights icddr,b’s commitment  and ability to share its expert knowledge to practically build the capacity of emerging young health professionals in Bangladesh.

 

 

According to members of the Departments of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and Haemato Oncology at BSMMU, the offer for training from icddr,b was seen as an outstanding opportunity to train post graduate students in areas that are considered essential in paediatric medicine. The first batch of students fromBSMMU successfully completed the training programme on acute malnutrition and diarrheal diseases at icddr,b from 4 to19 May. 

 

The training module included oral presentations covering all aspects of managing acute and persistent diarrhoea, assessment and management of acute malnutrition including infants less than 6 months old and nutritional rehabilitation of severely malnourished children. Apart from classroom lectures, practical classes were also held in icddr,b’s Dhaka Hospital where the students were given the opportunity of hands on patient care. Senior scientists and staff from CNFS helped provide the training.

 

During the certificate giving ceremony held on 19 May at icddr,b Professor Dr AfiqurRahman, Head of Department of Paediatric Haemato Oncology at BSMMUemphasised the importance of managing diarrhoeal diseases and severe malnutrition in paediatric medicine.

 

According to the Director of CNFS Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed, icddr,b and BSMMUexpect that this initiative will be the beginning of a long term commitment between the two institutions to build the capacity of an entire generation of promising young medical professionals of Bangladesh.