Bangladesh

COVID-19 emergency response

Between July and October, we set up and ran an emergency 16-bed COVID-19 treatment center for people with moderate-to-severe symptoms. MSF also supported the only government-run vaccination campaign in a refugee setting in Bangladesh, and assisted with staff recruitment and training.

Cox’s Bazar

Across 10 facilities, we provide a range of specialist health care to address some of the vast health needs of more than 920,000 Rohingya refugees living in the camps, as well as a growing number of patients from the host community. Services include general health care, treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, emergency care for trauma patients and women’s health care. We also upgraded water and sanitation in the camps.

In 2021, our teams continued to witness the medical consequences of deteriorating camp conditions. Dire water and sanitation, fires, flooding and movement restrictions all affect the ability of Rohingya to live in dignity. MSF is the largest provider of specialist psychiatric care for people suffering from severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis and anxiety disorders, which often stem from living in the camp environment and a sense of hopelessness about their future.

During the year, we handed over some of our activities to local organizations, including an extensive water network powered by solar energy.

Kamrangirchar

We run two clinics in Kamrangirchar district, in the capital, Dhaka, offering reproductive health care, and medical and psychological treatment for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

We also provide occupational health services, which include treatment for workers diagnosed with diseases linked to their work environment, as well as preventive care and risk assessment in factories. Our medical assistance is tailored to the needs of people working in extremely hazardous conditions.