UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a video message has commended icddr,b for its works over five decades to solve public health challenges and save lives.

The appreciation comes as Ban Ki-moon's tenure closes by the year's end. The centre has helped to significantly reduce infant, child and maternal mortality in Bangladesh and beyond, he said in a press release yesterday.

Executive Director Prof John D Clemens of icddr,b expressed gratitude for the message.