Recognised throughout the world as one of the most influential scientists in Bangladesh, Dr Firdausi Qadri, whose work in vaccine research has been exceptional as it has grown to help save countless people who live throughout communities that are highly vulnerable to deadly diseases. Through her decades of determined dedication to research on immunology and infectious diseases, she has gained the attention of many, marking herself as a global symbol of scientific excellence, especially in the fight against diseases such as cholera and other deadly diarrhoeal illnesses.
Dr Firdausi Qadri, who was born in the year 1951 in Bangladesh, pursued her education in areas such as biochemistry and immunology. Receiving her education at the University of Dhaka, she later proceeded to obtain her PhD from the University of Liverpool. After completing her studies, she returned to her home country, where in Bangladesh, she demonstrated how strong her determination was in solving the country’s challenges in public health.
Her career became closely connected with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, widely known as icddr,b, where she spent decades researching infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, rotavirus, and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Much of her work focused on protecting low-income communities that often suffer the most from unsafe water, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access.
While Dr. Qadri gained immense recognition for her major role in developing and promoting oral cholera vaccines, which are affordable, one can see how serious the effect cholera had on people previously. It has long been a serious public health issue in Bangladesh and many other countries that are still developing to this day, particularly during floods and natural disasters, which the current environment has made particularly prone to. She demonstrated the drastic effects of mass cholera by conducting vaccination campaigns in crowded urban settlements and refugee camps, thereby making vaccines more accessible to those in vulnerable conditions who needed them the most. Her work has greatly contributed to the widespread use of low-cost oral cholera vaccines such as Shanchol, which later ended up benefiting millions throughout the entire world.
Dr. Qadri also diverted her focus toward strengthening the scientific capacity in Bangladesh, going beyond laboratory research. The Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives, also known as ideSHi, which was founded by this influential and inspirational woman, mainly supports research on biomedicine, scientific training, and innovation. Many young scientists, especially women in science, who hope to be just like Dr Qadri, have been mentored and inspired through her work and leadership.
Gaining international recognition, her contributions have earned her accolades simply through her genuine heart and undying determination to make the world a better place. In the year of 2020, she was granted the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards in honour of her contributions toward preventing infectious diseases that affect small children who live in developing countries. A year later, she was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, which identified her lifelong dedication to vaccine development and public health.
Dr Firdausi Qadri today is seen as not only a pioneering scientist whose origins are rooted in Bangladesh, which is a prominent Commonwealth country, but also as a humanitarian figure whose research continues to protect vulnerable citizens, despite their age, race, or gender, throughout the world. When paying close attention, one can see how her work strongly highlights how when you combine science with compassion and determination, it can end up transforming global health and improve millions of lives, granting people a second chance at life.
