Image: A health worker administers the cholera vaccine to a child in Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. (Md. Dipu/CPI)
For Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh, cholera is an ever-present threat. The cramped and crowded conditions, limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, and seasonal flooding create an environment in which cholera can quickly take hold. Rohingya volunteers supported by Community Partners International (CPI) are assisting a cholera vaccination campaign that has reached 96% of refugees in their catchment areas since October 10.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by bacteria in contaminated water and food. Globally, up to four million cases of cholera are estimated to occur each year, with as many as 140,000 deaths. If left untreated, the disease can kill within hours. Malnourished children are especially vulnerable due to their weakened immune systems.
In the aftermath of the severe flooding in areas of Kutupalong Refugee Camp in July and August this year, health data showed a rapid rise in cases of acute watery diarrhea. This indicator underlined the increased potential for a cholera outbreak among the refugee population.
In response, the Bangladesh Ministry of Health launched a cholera vaccination drive in October for all Rohingya refugees over one year of age. To support the vaccination effort, Rohingya volunteers supported by Community Partners International mobilized in Camps 1W and 4 to reach refugee households and encourage people to get vaccinated. Embedded in their communities and trusted by fellow refugees, these volunteers have proven highly effective at supporting the rollout of vaccination campaigns.
Since October 10, the volunteers have conducted house-to-house visits in their catchment areas, sharing information about the vaccine and the vaccination process and encouraging people to participate. With their support, health authorities in these two camps vaccinated more than 96% of eligible refugees (more than 17,000 people) in 10 days. The initiative will continue until October 24 to try and reach the remaining unvaccinated persons.
Alongside supporting the cholera vaccination program in Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Rohingya volunteers are also actively assisting with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and have achieved similar results in their catchment areas. Their repeated success underlines the value of engaging community-based resources to support critical public health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns, in refugee contexts.
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