icddr,b, a global leader in health research and innovation, celebrated its 64th anniversary on its Mohakhali campus in the city on Thursday.
The event brought together staff, donors, media representatives, and well-wishers to honour the organisation's legacy and achievements amid a festive and joyous atmosphere. In his welcome remarks, Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, highlighted its transformative contributions to global health.
He particularly emphasised its role in the World Health Organization's (WHO) approval of Cecolin, the fourth HPV vaccine for single-dose public use.
Dr Ahmed described this milestone as a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer, a disease that claims a woman's life every two minutes, with 90 per cent of these deaths occurring in the low- and middle-income countries.
He also expressed deep appreciation for icddr,b's scientists, researchers, and staff, who have turned the institution into a globally recognised centre of excellence.
On this occasion, a discussion on making of healthy cities was organised. Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, Director General of Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements, delivered the keynote address, titled "Architecture is Bigger than Architecture: The Making of Healthy Cities."
In his presentation, he explored the historic relationship between architecture and public health, noting that cities - as expanded works of architecture - lie at the heart of public health challenges and solutions.
He presented a thoughtful critique of urbanism in Dhaka, and also proposed 11 actionable ideas to shape a healthier, more livable city, including regional planning, preserving riverbanks, framing floodplains, and fostering collaborative city-making.
Edwards Cabrera, First Secretary (Development-Health) of Global Affairs Canada, also spoke on the occasion.
The anniversary celebrations were enriched with a vibrant Fun Fair Marketplace, where icddr,b staff set up stalls featuring a variety of items for sale.
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