Gregor Reid recently came in Bogra to visit the factory, to know more about the social business and to talk about probiotics.

I decided to know more on his feelings functions after his stay in Bangladesh …

 

Could you please introduce yourself?

I am 'officially' a microbiologist in terms of training, but I got an MBA as I wanted to better understand the interface between science and the end users. In particular, my research has always focused on how it can help people. In the end, you need industry to be part of that continuum. The chance to become a Chair in Human Microbiology and Immunology and work more closely with companies like Danone, who are committed to improving the health of people around the world, was a wonderful step in my career. At our institute (Lawson) in Canada, we are very much devoted to translating our science into tangible benefits for people. That's why probiotics are such a great vehicle.

 

 

Could you tell us more about your work?

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host", in other words, bacteria that enhance our wellness. That might seem strange, but humans have ten times more bacteria in side us than human cells, so they are integral to our survival. My work has primarily focused on the vaginal microbes and how administration of lactobacilli can stabilize the flora and prevent the many infections suffered by women (vaginosis, vaginitis, increased risk of preterm labour and sexually transmitted infections). I think we have shown that use of certain lactobacilli can indeed help women.

 

 

What is  your "kitchen" project in Tanzania?

A volunteer group, Western Heads East (WHE) was formed by staff, students and faculty at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. The goal was to try and make an impact on the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. I proposed we do this using fermented milk supplemented with a probiotic lactobacillus. Using student interns from Canada, we taught local mothers in Mwanza, Tanzania how to make the yogurt, and with help from the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, we made sure that there was good quality control. Students of many backgrounds (nutrition, business, microbiology, social science, medicine) have spent up to a year in the city and have overseen some wonderful things. The yogurt is now used by an orphanage for severely malnourished children, by over 125 HIV/AIDS adults as a means to provide energy and nutrition and to reduce diarrheal, and by others totalling 350 every day. We hope to expand the 'community kitchen' and have purchased land to do this. The whole community from the Chamber of Commerce, to government, physicians, scientists and lay people have embraced the project as it helps local farmers, milk delivery boys, women, children and men as well.

 

 

Why did you come in Bogra to visit Grameen Danone Foods Ltd?

Having read about the project I wanted to see it first hand and especially learn how to upscale what we have been doing in Tanzania. Danone's expertise in building the facility and the whole philosophy of Mohammad Yunus and Grameen are not only in line with my thinking and very impressive, but they represent the way of the future - social business.

 

What are your feelings about our company, about the day you spent with us?

It is a fantastic facility, with outstanding people and lots of potential. I think it is a shame that more local engagement with government, media, scientists and doctors or other caregivers has not taken place, as it may be one reason for the fact that too few adults, especially men, have failed to appreciate the tremendous benefits of this nutritional product.

 

 

What do you think about our Shokti Doi yoghourt, and its nutritive qualities?

The company could easily have simply mimicked Mushti Doi and brought out a sugary product of little nutritional value. However, rather than that, they studied the malnutrition problem in the country, and added into the fermented milk, extra vitamins and minerals that enhance health. Furthermore, the fermented milk itself provides added benefits but the local people have so far not grasped this important concept and they mistakenly revert to Mushti Doi.

 

 

What is your opinion on social business?

It is without doubt a vital cog in the wheel of the future. It can work, it will work, and it must work. Life is not all about greed and profit. The recent Wall Street and global finance crisis brings this home to us. In social business, we have a framework to start from doing something positive for people, then seeing some profits emerge and benefit all of society not just the few richest.

 

 

Finally, how did you like Bangladesh?

Some people see Bangladesh as the third poorest country in the world. I see it differently. People are people wherever you go. No-one is better than another. Bangladesh has had some major disadvantages because of its location (flooding), excessive population, and struggles since its independence. This is a time for wealthier countries to help - not by donating money, but by providing Bangladeshis with the tools and knowledge to create things (products, services, businesses, health systems) that work for them. The Grameen-Danone project is a magnificent example of how this can be done, but without embrace from the local people it will not succeed. I found friendly, hard-working people, intelligent, and very keen to advance the country. It is ironic that in the so-called developed countries, we are seeing more people who are lazy, dishonest, greedy and not so commited to helping their fellow human. In short, we learn from each other. In the future, I think we (in Canada) can learn a lot about life, work ethics, and overcoming extreme challenges from the people of Bangladesh. Hopefully as a scientist, I will get the opportunity to work with Bangladeshi scientists and doctors to make this a reality.