RI has partnered with UNHCR since 2017 to implement an integrated Health and Protection program in the camps in Cox’s Bazar district. More specifically, RI provides access to basic primary care health services for the Rohingya refugee and Host communities encouraging disease prevention, detection, and response. In addition, RI ensures access to life-saving health care with functional 24/7 services, enhanced health emergency preparedness and response capacities, and established routine EPI/immunization services for Rohingya communities. Moreover, through its protection program, RI is strengthening child protection through enhanced community-based protection mechanisms and improved access to services, quality case management services and appropriate referrals in Multi-Purpose Centres. RI’s Gender Based Violence (GBV) programming aims to improve the overall access of beneficiaries to multi-sectoral GBV prevention services, including integrated services, psychosocial support, multi-sector GBV case response, and appropriate referrals.

Since 2020, RI has also operated a Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Center (SARI-ITC) in Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar. This 132-beded center is the largest of its kind in the area and is open to Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshis who have tested positive for COVID-19, providing potentially life-saving care and mental health support for members of both communities. Moreover, in the camps, RI offers immediate treatment for less severe COVID-19 cases and supports an improved COVID-19 referral system. RI is also engaged in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns for Rohingya refugees as part of a national vaccination drive to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Relief International and its experienced staff are committed to supporting both Host and Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, providing assistance in overcoming development challenges and providing humanitarian services until a durable and sustainable solution to the crisis is in place.