Attachments
Overview
Coordination and Leadership
On January 22, 2025, the United States announced its intention to suspend funding and withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision has triggered a severe health crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. Essential healthcare services at five Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities have been partially disrupted, with six more PHCs at risk after March 2025, affecting over 300,000 people. The halt in procuring vital medicines, such as Hepatitis C drugs, has endangered treatment for at least 7,000 patients.
Further, the suspension of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) kits has impacted services for over 25,000 women and girls. Rehabilitation, nursing, SRH, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services for people with disabilities (PwD) at 17 rehabilitation centres have also been partially suspended, affecting over 19,000 individuals.
In response to the crisis, the Health Sector convened an emergency meeting on February 6, 2025, with partners to assess the impacts and explore potential solutions. They conducted a quick survey to gather information from partners.
Led by WHO, the Health Sector Partners are using a two-fold strategy to mitigate the impact. Internally, they are addressing immediate challenges. Sector-wise, they are ensuring continuity of essential services by mapping affected facilities, improving partner communication, prioritising essential services (medicines, pharmaceuticals, specialised and rehabilitation services for PwD), revisiting referral pathways, and discussing the relocation or merging of health facilities to optimise resources.