The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

ICDDR,B in collaboration with the government has launched a project to assess the feasibility of using an oral cholera vaccine initially at Mirpur in the capital yesterday.

The vaccine is safe, affordable and effective in preventing cholera. One of the aims of this project is to transfer the cholera vaccine technology and to make it more affordable for future availability and use in Bangladesh.

This was revealed at a programme on 'Introduction of Cholera Vaccine in Bangladesh' at Sasakawa

Auditorium of ICDDR,B at Mohakhali in the capital.

Prof Syed Modasser Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Health, Family and Social Welfare was present as chief guest.

Dr Alejandro Cravioto, executive director of ICDDR,B made welcome speech while Dr Firdausi Qadri of ICDDR,B presented the features of the project. Dr Stephen P Luby, of ICDDR,B offered vote of thanks.

Dr Capt (Retd) Mozibur Rahman Fakir, MP and State Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was guest of honour and Professor Shah Monir Hossain, Director General, Directorate General of Health Services as Special Guest.

The Mirpur area has been chosen since data of the area shows increasing rates of cholera and diarrhoeal patients coming to the ICDDR,B from the area in recent years.

Terming the government pro-science, Prof Syed Modasser Ali said the government was committed to upgrade medical treatment for the downtrodden people by applying modern technology in the medical science.

The project has two components: vaccine provision and behaviour change communication for use of hand washing and safe water treatment. ICDDR,B will evaluate the effectiveness of vaccinating a mass population against cholera. This vaccine has already been successfully introduced in Vietnam for the last ten years and in India this year.