Six Australian cricketers have taken time out in Dhaka to learn how Australian taxpayers’ money is saving lives in Bangladesh and other emerging economies.
The players – Aaron Finch, David Warner, Cameron White, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Muirhead – were joined by Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer Justin Paoloni on a visit to ICDDRB’s Dhaka Hospital yesterday afternoon as part of Cricket Cares, Cricket Australia’s community action programme.
They spent an hour at the acclaimed public health research institution, receiving a briefing on health issues and achievements in Bangladesh, and touring the hospital, which treats over 200,000 of Dhaka’s poorest residents each year free of charge, says a press release issued by the hospital.
The players also chatted with Australian researchers working at ICDDRB and met a number of national staff who were able to study in Australia, thanks to the Australian government scholarships.
Australian cricketer James Muirhead, 20, said the visit made him realise how fortunate he is.
“It’s a real eye-opener and something I’m really glad I’ve experienced. It was pretty hard to look at. It’s just good to see all the work that is being done. It comes at no cost to the people who need this help.” He was proud that Australian aid money was supporting the work of ICDDRB.
Professor John D Clemens, Executive Director of ICDDRB, said the players’ visit extended the many existing links between Australia and the centre.
“I thanked them for the lives saved and transformed by Australian taxpayer funding, and said they should be as proud of this as they are when representing their country on the cricket field,” he observed.
Professor Clemens said Bangladesh had made excellent progress in recent decades in dealing with the numerous complex and tragic health issues related to extreme poverty.
“Although many challenges remain, we are sure icddr,b and other key players will achieve more great results in the next five years thanks to continued support from donors in Bangladesh and around the world.”
ICDDRB has received Australian support for over 50 years, and has developed products, programmes and policies that are credited with saving at least 50 million lives worldwide. Established in 1960, the centre develops practical solutions to the key health challenges facing people living in poverty.