A Global Partnership for Women's Health: Transforming Lives in Bangladesh
A Groundbreaking Collaboration
In the realm of global health, partnerships can be transformative, and the collaboration between icddr,b and WEHI is a prime example of this. Dr. Imrul Hasan, an assistant scientist and deputy project coordinator, has been at the forefront of this extraordinary partnership for over a decade, working tirelessly to improve the lives of girls and women in Bangladesh. This partnership is not just about research; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Addressing Iron Deficiency and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
One of the critical challenges that Dr. Hasan and his team are tackling is iron deficiency, a common issue in Bangladesh that leads to anemia. After conducting iron intervention studies, they are now focusing on heavy menstrual bleeding, which is another major contributor to anemia in women of reproductive age. This condition affects the quality of life for many young Bangladeshi girls, with 41% reportedly missing school due to it. Despite its widespread impact, there is currently no standard of care for this issue.
A Decade of Partnership
Dr. Hasan has been working at icddr,b for 15 years, and for the past decade, he has been part of a groundbreaking partnership with WEHI. This collaboration began with BRISC, a clinical trial assessing the benefits and risks of iron interventions in children in rural Bangladesh. It was followed by EDIVA, which compared intravenous and oral iron treatments for anemia in pregnant women. These studies have laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of anemia and its causes.
A New Clinical Trial
Most recently, WEHI and icddr,b received a $4 million grant from the Medical Research Council in the UK to run a clinical trial testing oral tranexamic acid (TXA), a safe and low-cost medicine that reduces bleeding and improves hemoglobin levels. The trial aims to show that oral TXA is superior to a placebo in improving hemoglobin concentration and menstrual-related quality of life. Dr. Hasan's role is to lead the trial in Bangladesh, which includes ethics approvals, staff recruitment, training, lab setup, and community engagement.
The Power of Collaboration
Dr. Eliza Davidson, a senior research officer, joined the Pasricha Lab at WEHI before the launch of the EDIVA trial. She witnessed the power of the partnership with icddr,b firsthand. The icddr,b team is an expert in running complex studies in challenging settings, while WEHI brings strengths in trial design, epidemiology, and analysis. Together, they achieve what they couldn't do alone.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey has not been without its challenges. They have navigated supply shortages and dengue outbreaks, but together, they have always delivered high-quality research. The partnership has taught them a lot about resilience and cultural sensitivity, giving them a shared purpose. The clinical trial, which starts in early 2026, will measure hemoglobin and quality of life to see if TXA makes a difference. It's a significant step forward in addressing heavy menstrual bleeding and its impact on women's health.
A Call to Action
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in global health. It's a reminder that together, we can achieve more and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. As we move forward, it's crucial to continue supporting such partnerships and encouraging further research and innovation in women's health.
