Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – September 27, 2023 – Amidst overwhelming adversity, nearly a million Rohingya refugees have sought sanctuary in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, since 2017, fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar. These refugees confront a myriad of challenges, including infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and gender-based violence, amidst the backdrop of both natural and man-made hazards.
In this challenging environment, the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has emerged as a critical partner in supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh, aiming to provide essential health services and emergency assistance to these vulnerable populations.
Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasized the indispensable role played by ECHO’s funding. He stated, “Thanks to the funding from ECHO, we have been able to coordinate efforts among health sector partners, thereby enhancing access to vital health services and strengthening our readiness and response capabilities for various health emergencies, including COVID-19, dengue, and cholera, which demand a multi-sectoral coordinated approach. This support has been instrumental in saving lives and alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable communities in Cox’s Bazar.”
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection notorious for its potential for severe complications and fatalities, has witnessed a significant surge in cases since July 2019 within the refugee camps. WHO, with ECHO’s backing, has undertaken a multifaceted approach to prevent and manage dengue outbreaks. This strategy includes the training of healthcare workers from both governmental and NGO health facilities in the camps and surrounding host communities. These healthcare workers are equipped to identify, diagnose, treat, and promptly refer dengue patients. Additionally, community health volunteers and hygiene volunteers have been actively engaged in community outreach programs to maximize the impact of prevention efforts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the health and well-being challenges faced by Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar. ECHO’s support has extended to strengthening the diagnostic capacity for COVID-19 and other diseases or medical conditions at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) Field Laboratory within the Cox’s Bazar Medical College.
In the midst of daunting circumstances, ECHO’s collaboration with WHO in Cox’s Bazar underscores the collective commitment to addressing the pressing health needs of Rohingya refugees, making a tangible difference in their lives and restoring hope in the face of immense adversity.
