AAG/NE MEMORANDUM AUDIT REPORT NO. 5-388-79-17, CHOLERA RESEARCH LABORATORY, DACCA, BANGLADESH

Following audit, CRL will become the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB). CRL began in 1960 as an independent laboratory with support from various governments. Following creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistani support ceased. Through a series of ProAgs totalling $9,042,000 between 4/74 and 2/79, AID has continued support for CRL research, demo, treatment, and prevention activities. The high level of AID support was unacceptable to Agency policies, and in 1976, exploratory efforts were begun to internationalize CRL. This has culminated in formation of ICDDRB, which is in line with high priorities of AID in areas of disease control, population, and nutrition. CRL has made major contributions to cholera and acute diarrheal disease research by discovering pathological disease mechanisms and developing techniques of cholera treatment. The 500+ scientific papers and publications coming out of CRL have helped researchers and health workers better understand and treat these diseases. CRL provides treatment to approximately 100,000 patients per year in its own hospitals. CRL research on non-cholera diarrheal disease has helped clarify differences between disease types, and promoted research into real nature of diarrheal diseases. Project Audit discloses no outstanding exceptions or deficiencies. Records were reviewed at CRL and at USAID/Bangladesh, and discussions were held with officials from both organizations. Approximately $200,000 in undisbursed funds will be carried over to new international center. Necessary actions prior to ICDDRB start-up include: (1) addition of monetary support to ProAg 79-1; (2) deletion of restrictions in ProAg 79-1 on use of grant monies; and (3) establishment of monetary agreements between USAID and ICDDRB. Three recommendations from the last audit were adopted prior to this audit.