OIC recognises icddr,b as centre of excellence

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has recognised icddr,b and nine other organisations in the OIC member countries as centres of excellence, informed Iyad Ameen Madani, OIC secretary general.

A delegation, comprising Ambassador Abdul Moiz Bokhari, led by Madani, visited icddr,b in the capital's Mohakhali on Sunday, said a press release yesterday.

"With the help of our science and technology department, we have named 10 centres of excellence which include icddr,b," said Madani, adding that they want to explore how they can help each other in their strategic areas like preventing diseases and controlling emergency health situations.

Executive Director Prof John Clemens of icddr,b and its scientists and directors welcomed the delegation.

Later, they discussed the new low-cost medical science innovations being developed under different research programmes including new advances in cholera vaccines, clean delivery kits to reduce risk of infection and maternal haemorrhage, and breathing support devices for babies with severe pneumonia.

Prof Clemens said, "We truly welcome this opportunity to develop a long-term collaborative partnership with the OIC and are extremely proud of being named one of the 10 centres of excellence."