Brac is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr Richard Allan Cash, a pioneering public health researcher and co-developer of the life-saving Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT).
Dr Cash passed away on Tuesday in Boston at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that revolutionized healthcare worldwide.
Born on 9 June 1941, Dr Cash was an American by birth but always considered Bangladesh his "second home."
His connection with the country began in the 1970s when he joined the Cholera Research Laboratory, now known as icddr,b, in Dhaka.
At a time when diarrheal diseases claimed the lives of one in five children in Bangladesh, Dr Cash, alongside his colleagues, developed ORT, a groundbreaking treatment that has since saved millions of lives globally.
Brac played a crucial role in amplifying the impact of ORT through its Oral Therapy Extension Programme (OTEP) in the 1980s.
The program trained 12.5 million Bangladeshi mothers in the use of ORT, leading to a dramatic reduction in child mortality rates by half.
Asif Saleh, executive director of Brac, expressed his condolences, saying: "Richard's dedication to improving public health, particularly in low-resource settings, was marked by his humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for equitable healthcare.
His legacy will inspire future generations of health professionals. Personally, I have lost a mentor and a friend whose advice, guidance, and sense of humor I will miss dearly."
Shameran Abed, executive director of Brac International, also paid tribute, saying: "I am devastated to learn of Richard’s passing. Much will be written and said about his work, which has saved the lives of millions of children around the world. Behind this extraordinary legacy was a deeply committed man, a champion of Brac, and the people of Bangladesh.
"Richard was my father’s closest friend for almost five decades, and he became a cherished member of our family. We have lost not only a giant in public health but also a dear friend," she added.
Beyond his contributions to healthcare, Dr Cash was a dedicated supporter of Bangladesh's independence and was honored with the "Friends of Liberation War Honour" for his efforts in rallying international support during the 1971 Liberation War.
In 2006, he played a pivotal role in the founding of Brac USA and served as a committed Board member for nearly two decades.
Dr Cash's work earned him numerous international accolades, including the 2006 "Prince Mahidol Award" and the 2011 "Fries Prize for Improving Health." He was also a respected academic, having taught at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health for over 40 years, training future generations of public health professionals.
