Public health leadership: CIPRB 20-year legacy

The Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (LIHPRC), established on 6 February 2005, has led Bangladesh's public health development and public welfare.

Starting its research activities with a focus on injury prevention, the organisation has made outstanding contributions in various fields of public health over the past two decades, including maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, and the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Recognised as a leading institution for public health research at the national and international levels, LIHPRC has published 219 research papers in international journals. In addition, it has significantly contributed to developing 10 health-related policies, guidelines, and strategies at the national level. Moreover, LIHPRC's researchers' data and information have played a notable role in two publications by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, highlighting LIHPRC's impact on global health initiatives.

LIHPRC organised a celebration at a convention centre in Dhaka to mark its achievements over the past two decades. The event, marking the institute's 20th anniversary on 6 February 2025, was attended by those who have been with them on this journey and whose continuous guidance, advice, and cooperation have helped LIHPRC move forward.

National Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB), was present as the chief guest at the event. In his speech, he said, "With the dedicated efforts of researchers, field workers, and volunteers, LIHPRC, with more than 6,000 professionals, has contributed to the national health policy process, empowered and trained local communities." He added, "Through mutual partnership and experience sharing, its continuous efforts in promoting global health and well-being will further solidify the organisation." The chief guest thanked the founders of LIHPRC for their tireless work, dedication, and commitment to accelerating its progress and congratulated the staff. He advised LIHPRC to incorporate the findings of its various research into people's daily lives.

Dr. Vibhavendra Raghunanshi, Head of Health, UNFPA Bangladesh, was present as a special guest. He said, "UNFPA has been a partner in LIHPRC's various research projects, which are driven by public welfare. Through this 20-year journey, lives have been saved, and dignified lives have been ensured for people. They have worked on many social taboos like reproductive health, mental health, etc., in remote community areas, which are recognised internationally."

Another special guest, Dr Rajesh Nawal, WHO Health Emergency Programme, Bangladesh, emphasised the need for a 'National Health Research System' to modernise the health sector and said, "At least 2 per cent of the total health budget needs to be spent on health research. The 'National Health Research Strategy' needs to be formulated and programs implemented based on the needs of every human being."

Dr Sabera Akhter, Chairman of BMRC and Member of the Health Sector Reform Commission, another special guest, said, "LIHPRC, since its inception, has researched many neglected public health problems in the local context and provided effective solutions and verified their effectiveness through implementation. These findings have made significant contributions to the formulation of national policies. Especially in remote areas of the country and among marginalised communities, LIHPRC's contribution to reducing maternal and child mortality is undeniable."

At the event, Professor Dr  Mazharul Haque, Chairperson of the LIHPRC Governing Body, said in his welcome address that LIHPRC has made remarkable contributions to preventing childhood injuries and drowning in the 20 years since its inception. It has also been actively involved in national and international research programs to prevent road accidents. So far, 17 researchers associated with this institution have obtained PhD degrees. LIHPRC has provided training to more than 50,000 people in the country and enhanced the capacity of nearly 60,000 people. The contribution of this institution in protecting public health in the country is undeniable."

AKM Fazlur Rahman, the institution's outgoing director, presented all the achievements from the beginning of the 20-year journey. He expressed gratitude to various government and non-government institutions in the country's health sector, domestic and foreign aid agencies, media, research institutes, and related individuals. He said, "The journey we started with a handful of people has now turned into a tree because of your inspiration, encouragement, and cooperation."

Since its establishment on 6 February 2005, the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (LIHPRC) has been a leader in Bangladesh's public health development and public welfare. Starting its research activities with a focus on injury prevention, the organisation has made outstanding contributions in various fields of public health over the past two decades, including maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, and the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Recognised as a leading institution for public health research at the national and international levels, LIHPRC has published 219 research papers in international journals. It has also significantly contributed to developing 10 health-related policies, guidelines, and strategies at the national level. Moreover, LIHPRC's researchers' data and information have played a notable role in two publications by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, highlighting its impact on global health initiatives.

LIHPRC organised a celebration at a convention centre in Dhaka to celebrate these achievements over the past two decades. On 6 February 2025, the event marked the institute's 20th anniversary. It was attended by those who have been with them on this journey and whose continuous guidance, advice, and cooperation have helped LIHPRC move forward.

National Professor AK Azad Khan, President of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB), was present as the chief guest at the event. In his speech, he said, "With the dedicated efforts of researchers, field workers, and volunteers, LIHPRC, with more than 6,000 professionals, has contributed to the national health policy process, empowered and trained local communities." He added, "Through mutual partnership and experience sharing, its continuous efforts in promoting global health and well-being will further solidify the organisation." The chief guest thanked the founders of LIHPRC for their tireless work, dedication, and commitment to accelerating its progress and congratulated the staff. He advised LIHPRC to incorporate the findings of its various research into people's daily lives.

Dr. Vibhavendra Raghunanshi, Head of Health, UNFPA Bangladesh, was present as a special guest. He said, "UNFPA has been a partner in LIHPRC's various research projects, which are driven by public welfare. Through this 20-year journey, lives have been saved, and dignified lives have been ensured for people. They have worked on many social taboos, like reproductive health, mental health, etc., in remote community areas recognised internationally."

Another special guest, Dr Rajesh Nawal, WHO Health Emergency Programme, Bangladesh, emphasised the need for a 'National Health Research System' to modernise the health sector and said, "At least 2 per cent of the total health budget needs to be spent on health research. The 'National Health Research Strategy' needs to be formulated and programs implemented based on the needs of every human being."

Dr. Sabera Akhter, Chairman of BMRC and Member of the Health Sector Reform Commission, another special guest, said, "LIHPRC, since its inception, has researched many neglected public health problems in the local context and provided effective solutions and verified their effectiveness through implementation. These findings have made significant contributions to the formulation of national policies. Especially in remote areas of the country and among marginalised communities, LIHPRC's contribution to reducing maternal and child mortality is undeniable."

At the event, Professor Dr Md. Mazharul Haque, Chairperson of the LIHPRC Governing Body, said in his welcome address that LIHPRC has made remarkable contributions to preventing childhood injuries and drowning in the 20 years since its inception. It has also been actively involved in national and international research programs to prevent road accidents. So far, 17 researchers associated with this institution have obtained PhD degrees. LIHPRC has provided training to more than 50,000 people in the country and enhanced the capacity of nearly 60,000 people. The contribution of this institution in protecting public health in the country is undeniable."

AKM Fazlur Rahman, the institution's outgoing director, presented all the achievements from the beginning of the 20-year journey. He expressed gratitude to various government and non-government institutions in the country's health sector, domestic and foreign aid agencies, media, research institutes, and related individuals. He said, "The journey we started with a handful of people has now turned into a tree because of your inspiration, encouragement, and cooperation."