Research Dominion in Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF)
The Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF) has a rich history of conducting impactful
research aimed at improving breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and complementary feeding
practices. With a dedicated team of expert researchers, BBF has significantly contributed to
both national and global understanding of maternal and child health through innovative
research, driving important policy changes and enhancing healthcare practices through
generated new evidence for others research.
BBF research efforts are guided by Prof. Dr. S K Roy, an internationally recognized senior
scientist who serves as the Research Chairman. Under his leadership, BBF has built a robust
research portfolio spanning over two decades, solidifying its position as a leader in generating
new evidence and policy development in Bangladesh and global areas.
Since 1998, BBF has conducted 12 rounds of surveillance on breastfeeding, maternal nutrition,
and complementary feeding. This surveillance has provided critical insights into evolving trends,
challenges, and practices across Bangladesh, shaping national health strategies and
interventions aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition.
BBF has completed 67 research studies on topics related to nutrition, breastfeeding,
healthcare systems, and child development, adolescent, elderly, obesity. Many of these
studies have been published in the international reputed journals, contributing to global
knowledge and advancing best practices in maternal and child health. BBF has also published
two research compendiums and regularly issues a research bulletin to disseminate findings
and recommendations to stakeholders at both national and international levels.
BBF continues to commission priority-based research on breastfeeding, maternal nutrition,
and complementary feeding, ensuring that emerging and critical challenges in maternal and
child health are addressed. Research findings are regularly shared at the policy level, leading to
actionable interventions and programs that support maternal and child health across
Bangladesh.
*****BBF is also deeply committed to fostering academic research, guiding students in
nutrition research with innovative ideas from Food and Nutrition departments at various Home
Economics colleges and universities across Bangladesh. This collaboration aims to inspire new
research avenues and develop practical solutions that address the country’s nutritional
challenges, further enhancing the academic and practical landscape of nutrition and public
health.
Each year, around 100-120 students participate in 25 research projects under the guidance of
BBF and the Nutrition Foundation of Bangladesh (NFB). These joint research initiatives provide
students with hands-on experience in the fields of breastfeeding, maternal and child nutrition,
and complementary feeding. This collaboration helps build a future workforce equipped with
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the skills needed to improve health outcomes for mothers and children, while contributing
valuable research to the national and global knowledge base.
Looking ahead, BBF plans to further support the next generation of researchers through its
student research grant program, fostering academic research in breastfeeding and nutrition.
This initiative is aimed at building a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing maternal and child
health outcomes.
Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. S K Roy, the Board of Trustees of BBF, and senior staff, BBF's
expert research team continues to lead groundbreaking research in maternal and child health.
Their contributions influence national policies and shape global discussions on improving
breastfeeding, nutrition, and healthcare practices, solidifying BBF's role as a leader in advancing
health outcomes for mothers and children both in Bangladesh and worldwide.