The Centre for Health and Population (ICDDR,B), formerly known as International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh is a non-profit heath research and training institute with the mandate to develop and disseminate solutions to major health and population problems, with emphasis on cost-effective methods of prevention and management. It is one of the rare international health research institutes established in a developed country i.e. Bangladesh where investment of some $ 200 million over three decades have created a centre of excellence. Over 16,000 health and family planning professionals from 70 different countries have been trained and 1,500 scientific publications in peer reviewed and comparable journals have been published since 1978. As a research and training institute, ICDDR,B has progressed considerably in expanding its research agenda since its founding. Originally focussed on cholera and diarrhoea, it now encompasses a full spectrum of issues related to child health, reproductive health, infectious diseases and vaccine sciences, nutrition, population sciences, health system research, poverty and health, safe water, and HIV-AIDS. Additionally it has greatly expanded its research tools to include disciplines of anthropology, economics, medical geography, and other social sciences. Since 1980, SDC has been a regular financial contributor to ICDDR,B. In the 2004-2006 funding cycle, SDC has granted a fund of US$ 3 million, amounting US$ 1 million per year in recognition to the importance of the Centre’s research works for developing countries throughout the world, and special contribution for improving health condition in Bangladesh. (see report on the website of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Bangladesh)

Bangladesh is one of the priority countries of Swiss development cooperation. Switzerland became involved in Bangladesh shortly after independence in 1971, focusing in the beginning on emergency aid and the securing of food supplies. Over the years, cooperation has developed into a broad program aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of the country and to reduce poverty.