Dr Rafiqul Islam: Pioneer of Oral Rehydration Therapy

Some discoveries quietly transform human history, saving countless lives without fanfare. One such revolutionary breakthrough is the development of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), a simple yet lifesaving remedy against fatal diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. At the heart of this discovery lies the remarkable work of Bangladeshi physician Dr Rafiqul Islam, whose dedication has left an indelible mark on global public health.

Early Life and Education

Dr Rafiqul Islam was born in 1936 in Chauddagram, Comilla District, now part of Bangladesh. From a young age, he exhibited exceptional intelligence and a steadfast commitment to alleviating human suffering. Driven by this calling, he pursued a career in medicine. In 1965, he earned his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College. Following this, he advanced his studies in tropical medicine and hygiene in the United Kingdom, equipping himself with the expertise that would later inform his groundbreaking work in infectious diseases, particularly diarrhoea and cholera.

Research and Breakthrough

After completing his education, Dr Islam joined the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), a world-renowned research institution. Over decades of dedicated service, he led extensive research on treatments for dehydration caused by diarrhoeal diseases.

His most notable achievement was the development and widespread promotion of the ORS, also known as “Dhaka Saline” or “food saline.” When diarrhoea or cholera causes rapid loss of water and salts, ORS provides an inexpensive, simple, and highly effective method to restore these vital nutrients.

During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, severe outbreaks of cholera and diarrhoea in refugee camps in West Bengal, India, highlighted the limitations of intravenous fluid therapy. The ORS developed by Dr Islam became a lifesaving alternative, capable of treating vast numbers of patients using readily available ingredients. Estimates suggest that this innovation has saved millions of lives worldwide.

The British medical journal The Lancet recognised Oral Rehydration Therapy as one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century. Following Bangladesh’s independence, ORS use expanded nationally, and international recognition followed. In 1980, the World Health Organization officially endorsed ORS as a primary treatment for diarrhoeal dehydration. NGOs like BRAC have since played a pivotal role in educating rural communities on its use.

Legacy

Dr Rafiqul Islam retired from ICDDR,B in 2000, but his legacy continues to impact global health profoundly. He passed away on 5 March 2018, leaving behind an enduring contribution to humanity. His work ensures that millions of children and adults worldwide survive diseases that were once fatal.

Dr Rafiqul Islam’s dedication and discovery epitomise the power of medicine to save lives quietly yet profoundly, ensuring his place among the great pioneers of modern healthcare.