'IEDCR can set example in maximising use of limited resources'

State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit has said the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) can set an example for national institutions in enhancing productivity and capacity through the efficient use of the country’s limited resources.

He made the remarks while addressing the opening session of ‘Bangladesh FETP Conference 2026’ at the IEDCR auditorium in Mohakhali in the capital on Sunday as the chief guest. The conference ‘Strengthening Field Epidemiology Practice’ was jointly organised by IEDCR and Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Bangladesh (FETP-B). SAFETYNET, EMPHNET, UNICEF and the US CDC are supporting the event.

Dr Muhit said IEDCR has long played an important role in training and building the capacity of the country’s epidemiological workforce. In particular, its Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) has been a highly successful initiative, he added. 

Graduates of the programme are working at leading institutions both at home and abroad, contributing to public health protection, he mentioned. 

Emphasising the need to strengthen the capacity of young researchers, teachers and experts, the state minister said the country has many good training institutions, but limited resources are not being fully utilised because of a lack of coordination and long-term planning.