International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)

Overview

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) is an international public health research institute based in Mohakhali, Dhaka. It was founded in 1960 as the SEATO Cholera Research Laboratory and took its present name in 1978. Its headquarters stand at 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Ave, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh.

For more than six decades, the institute has worked on science-based answers to public health problems in low- and middle-income countries. Its work on oral rehydration therapy is used in diarrhoea treatment around the world. Research partnerships link the institute with research institutions in many countries.

The institute runs the Dhaka Hospital on the same Mohakhali campus. Hospital treatment, laboratory services and research programmes operate side by side here.

Services

The Dhaka Hospital treats patients with diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera. More than 150,000 patients, children and adults, receive treatment here every year. Treatment is free of charge, and the free care covers medicines, laboratory tests, food and lodging during the stay.

Care at the hospital also covers pneumonia, sepsis, malnutrition and enteric fever. Nutrition services, maternal and child health services, tuberculosis care and vaccination services run alongside the diarrhoea treatment.

Emergency care

Emergency care for diarrhoea patients remains open at all times at the Dhaka Hospital. Patients of all ages are received, and no cap is set on patient numbers, even during outbreaks. Rehydration treatment starts with oral rehydration therapy, and more intensive care is given where the patient's condition requires it.

Many admitted patients recover within a short stay and are discharged within about 24 hours. Intensive care facilities support patients whose condition becomes severe. Families stay informed about the patient's progress during the admission period.

Diagnostic services

The laboratories of icddr,b are accredited to the ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 standards. More than 400 diagnostic tests are offered through the laboratory services of the institute. These tests support the treatment given at the Dhaka Hospital and the research work of the institute.

Laboratory centres of the institute stay open every day from 7:30 in the morning until 9:00 at night. Patients who need a test list or sample instructions can contact the centre directly.

Location and access

The institute is located in Mohakhali, an area of Dhaka with regular transport connections. The full address is 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Ave, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh. The Dhaka Hospital serves patients who arrive for diarrhoea and cholera treatment at this campus.

Families bring patients here from across Dhaka and from districts outside the capital. Because treatment is free, cost does not decide whether a diarrhoea patient receives care here. Visitors should head for Mohakhali and ask for the icddr,b campus on Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Ave.

Frequently asked questions

What is icddr,b?

An international public health research institute founded in 1960, headquartered at Mohakhali in Dhaka, working mainly on diarrhoeal diseases and related public health problems.

Where is the Dhaka Hospital located?

At 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Ave, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh, on the icddr,b campus.

Is diarrhoea and cholera treatment free here?

Yes. Treatment is completely free, including medicines, laboratory tests, food and lodging during the stay.

Are children treated at this hospital?

Yes. Children and adults of all ages are admitted and treated here.

When is emergency care available?

Emergency care for diarrhoea patients remains open at all times, including during outbreaks.

Which laboratory tests are available?

More than 400 diagnostic tests are offered through laboratories accredited to ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 standards.