Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024 at CHRF—a year of transformative milestones, impactful science, and global collaborations. From becoming the first in Bangladesh to sequence human cells with single-cell technology (yes, we’ve been nose-deep in science—literally!) to making strides in AMR, neonatal sepsis, typhoid, and bacteriophage research, CHRF has proudly set new benchmarks. We expanded our work in pathogen genomics, empowered the next generation of scientists, and launched services to better support Bangladeshi researchers, patients, and clinicians and welcomed 43 new members to CHRF. Together, we have paved the way for a brighter, healthier future for Bangladesh and beyond.
Single-Cell Genomics: Pioneering Research in Bangladesh
This year, CHRF made history by generating Bangladesh’s first single-cell sequencing data, analyzing 23,000 nasal cells from children (yes, you read that right—23,000 tiny cells from tiny noses, inspiring the theme of this newsletter). Supported by BMGF, CZI, and our brilliant collaborators at Harvard, MIT, and Boston Children’s Hospital, we are uncovering how these nasal cells react to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections and how vaccines shape the immune responses of preterm babies. Our findings, presented at three major international conferences, put Bangladesh front and center in using single-cell sequencing to understand infections, vaccines, and how to keep those tiny noses healthier.
AMR took center stage globally this year, and CHRF’s contributions stood tall (take that, resistant bacteria!). Our work was featured in Nature, Nature Medicine, and BMJ, and we published an analysis of 24 years of AMR data on typhoid fever. We also reported an outbreak of ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella Typhi and advocated for the introduction of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) in Bangladesh, expected this year! We also published results from clinical trials done to investigate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine wash and antibiotic regimens to prevent neonatal sepsis. Supported the Gates Foundation and a shiny new NIHR grant, we’re tackling neonatal sepsis with renewed energy.
Bacteriophages, natural predators of bacteria, have been a key focus of CHRF’s work. We conducted comprehensive phage surveillance across the country to estimate the burden of typhoid fever, developed a cost-effective protocol for sequencing phages, and released the first 14 Typhi-phage genomes from Bangladesh. Our two-year Nationwide Surveillance Project, spanning all 64 districts with over 10,000 samples, has provided a unique dataset to explore bacterial evolution and antimicrobial resistance. Our work is supported by the Gates Foundation and our first NIH R01.
Genomics: Building a Pathogen Database
The CHRF Pathogen Genomics Center has made remarkable strides, sequencing 7000+ bacterial and viral genomes to date, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhi, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Dengue virus, and bacteriophages. These genomes form a critical dataset to uncover insights into bacterial evolution, resistance mechanisms, and potential vulnerabilities. Supported by our generous donors, such as BMGF, this work is laying the foundation for breakthroughs in understanding and combating infectious diseases in Bangladesh.
Harnessing AI for Health: Empowering the Future
AI workshop
Data science for women
At CHRF, we embraced the transformative potential of AI to address pressing health challenges.This year, we brought researchers, ethicists, and policymakers together for a landmark discussion on the future of AI in health through our first AI grant. Our AI in Public Health course equipped Bangladeshi scientists with tools for health modeling, while the Women in Data Sciences initiative empowered girls and women across the country to learn coding. A BMJ article advocating for mandatory code sharing rounded out the year, reflecting our belief in collaboration, transparency, and building a strong foundation for AI-driven health solutions.
Around the World in 365 Days
2024 had CHRF scientists globetrotting with exciting research and collaborations. We started the year in Greece at the 12th IPCRG, followed by RESPIRE in Sri Lanka and HCA in Bangkok. In Bali, we joined the TB Union meeting, and in India, we joined the buzz at the Bhopal YIM, regional typhoid meetings, and geeked out about phages at IIT Delhi.
We then headed to Cairns, Australia, to showcase our phage research at the VOM conference and participated in the ISPPD conference in South Africa with the Streptococcuspneumoniae team. In Canada, we shared insights on genomic capacity at McGill University and joined EPIC in Toronto. In the U.S., we explored how metagenomics tackles zoonotic diseases at George Mason University, joined exciting experiments at Stanford and Biohub in California, and represented at the World Bank and IFC forums. We took the stage in Paris to spotlight Klebsiella research, made our mark at UNGA in New York, and then to the HCA in Hong Kong and Milan, and wrapped up at ASCODD in Nepal.
From microbes to molecules, our global adventures reflect a commitment to taking Bangladeshi science to the world!
Supporting Science and Expanding Services: A Commitment to Bangladesh
Dr. Deb Nath in the lab
Mr. Hassan in the lab
At CHRF, supporting Bangladeshi scientists and healthcare providers is both a privilege and a responsibility. We have long provided next-generation sequencing services to researchers, ensuring they do not need to send samples abroad or wait months for results. With over 60 whole genome sequences delivered to Bangladeshi scientists, we are proud to continue our research services.
This year, we also added Sanger sequencing to our offerings, addressing another critical need for local scientists. All sequencing and bioinformatics support are provided in Bangladesh, by Bangladeshis, and in real time—empowering researchers with fast, reliable, and affordable solutions. Additionally, we launched a Molecular Diagnostic Services department to support clinicians and patients, with plans to expand into genetic testing tailored to local needs.
Another PhD completed—Congratulations to Dr. Arif Mohammad Tanmoy!
Congratulations to Dr. Arif Mohammad Tanmoy! He completed his PhD at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. His thesis, titled "Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi in Bangladesh: Antimicrobial Resistance and Genomic Background," focused on the genomic landscape and AMR patterns of Salmonella Typhi in Bangladesh.
Dr. Tanmoy shared, “This research provides essential genomic and AMR data to evaluate the impact of interventions like typhoid vaccines. My work highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in guiding public health strategies, especially in resource-limited, typhoid-endemic regions. I am currently focusing on the genomic diversity, and AMR of Streptococcus pneumoniae and other infectious pathogens in Bangladesh, especially related to pediatric diseases.”
Training the Next Generation: Building Scientists for Bangladesh
The Building Scientists for Bangladesh (BSB) initiative has been buzzing with energy, nurturing the next generation of scientific talent. From curious school students in programs like Science Explorers to professionals in Clinical Microbiology—all joined forces with CHRF to sharpen their skills and ignite their curiosity. Graduation ceremonies celebrated their hard work, and scrapbook-style keepsakes captured the fun, laughter, and “aha!” moments along the way. To date, over 750 BSB graduates are already spreading out across the world—growing and changing the world, one scientist at a time!
Global Perspectives: Hosting Inspiring Voices
This year, we were thrilled to host incredible scientists who enriched our knowledge and sparked inspiring discussions. Highlights included Prof. Madhukar Pai of McGill University on decolonizing global health, Christina's travel adventures, and Aonkon from Harvard sharing bioinformatics insights. Dr. Shahed Iqbal from Gilead, Prof. Lafifa Jamal from Dhaka University (on robotics and women in STEM), Dr. Sajib from Pfizer, and Harvard’s Jaclyn and Faith on single-cell genomics brought diverse perspectives. We also welcomed Dr. Abhilasha Karkey from Nepal, Prof. Alison Holmes and the CAMO-Net team from the UK, and Prof. Gary Darmstadt from Stanford, our collaborator of 30 years. These connections remind us of the joy of learning together—especially over fuchka!
Publications: Sharing Knowledge with the World
CHRF scientists were on a publishing spree this year, with 26 scientific papers that spanned a wide array of impactful topics. From AMR trends and phage genomes to equity in human cell atlas and SARS-CoV-2 risks, these papers reflect CHRF’s drive to tackle global health challenges. Highlights include groundbreaking work on neonatal health, antibiotic resistance, and vaccine impact, as well as a BMJ article advocating for mandatory code sharing. Each publication underscores our commitment to advancing science, sharing insights, and shaping a healthier world.
We are immensely grateful to our donors and collaborators for their support. The Gates Foundation and CZI fund our single-cell genomics research, while Gates also supports Klebsiella and bacteriophage projects. NIH R01 enables phage-bacteria studies, NIHR supports neonatal sepsis efforts, Stanford drives neurodevelopmental research, George Mason backs dengue studies, and Edinburgh’s RESPIRE grant funds respiratory disease work. Thank you for keeping us moving forward!
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we wrap up 2024, we are brimming with excitement for what’s to come. With new breakthroughs on the horizon, strengthened collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes in Bangladesh and beyond, 2025 promises to be another year of impact, innovation, and inspiration.
Thank you for your continued support. And to those of you reading our newsletters throughout the year—behind these updates have been Atiya, Oyshe, Shanum, Fairooz, and Jaasia (with guidance from Prottoy and Nazifa, now off in the US pursuing further studies). Until next time!
Thank you for reading! We're always looking for feedback; email us at info@chrfbd.org
If you are reading this for the first time, consider subscribing!
Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) Published on January 7th, 2025 Read this email in your browser Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024 at CHRF—a year of transformative milestones, impactful science, and global collaborations. From becoming the first in Bangladesh to sequence human cells with single-cell technology (yes, we’ve been nose-deep in science—literally!) to making strides in AMR, neonatal sepsis, typhoid, and bacteriophage...
Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) Published on January 7th, 2025 Read this email in your browser Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024 at CHRF—a year of transformative milestones, impactful science, and global collaborations. From becoming the first in Bangladesh to sequence human cells with single-cell technology (yes, we’ve been nose-deep in science—literally!) to making strides in AMR, neonatal sepsis, typhoid, and bacteriophage...
Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) Published on January 7th, 2025 Read this email in your browser Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024 at CHRF—a year of transformative milestones, impactful science, and global collaborations. From becoming the first in Bangladesh to sequence human cells with single-cell technology (yes, we’ve been nose-deep in science—literally!) to making strides in AMR, neonatal sepsis, typhoid, and bacteriophage...