Rohingya camps face lack of emergency health services, IRC warns
Findings shared in Cox’s Bazar point to weak emergency response capacity, rising protection risks, and urgent need for coordinated action
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Emergency health services and protection systems for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remain critically underprepared, according to findings presented this week by the International Rescue Committee, raising concerns about the camps’ ability to respond to major health or security crises.
The assessment was shared during an evidence-focused meeting in Cox’s Bazar, where humanitarian agencies, UN bodies, and Bangladeshi authorities reviewed recent research on emergency response capacity in Rohingya camps and nearby host communities.
The discussions highlighted gaps in preparedness, coordination, and protection mechanisms amid prolonged displacement and funding shortfalls.
According to the IRC, the studies examined access to emergency healthcare, protection services, and referral systems, alongside broader risks linked to safety, gender-based violence, and the legal vulnerability of Rohingya refugees.
Aid officials noted that existing services remain overstretched, leaving refugees and host populations exposed during sudden emergencies such as fires, disease outbreaks, or security incidents.
Bangladeshi officials attending the meeting acknowledged the pressure on camp infrastructure and services, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination across sectors.
Md Shamsud Douza, an additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation commissioner, pointed to ongoing efforts to improve emergency systems but said sustained collaboration with humanitarian partners was essential to close service gaps.
Humanitarian coordinators and sector leads from health, protection, and emergency response groups also flagged operational constraints, including limited resources, staffing shortages, and challenges in aligning emergency protocols across agencies. Participants warned that these weaknesses could significantly hamper response efforts during large-scale emergencies.
The concerns come as Rohingya refugees enter their eighth year in camps in southern Bangladesh, with prospects for repatriation to Myanmar remaining uncertain. Analysts note that prolonged displacement, combined with reduced international funding, has increased risks for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Aid agencies have urged donors and authorities to prioritize evidence-based planning and coordinated emergency preparedness, warning that failure to address existing gaps could have life-threatening consequences in future crises.
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