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This epidemiological bulletin aims to provide the situation of key infectious diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region to inform risk assessments and responses. The bulletin uses information from publicly available sources and will be published every two weeks. For feedback or suggestions, please write to seoutbreak@who.int.
Key events and updates
Cox’s Bazar/Bangladesh: Acute Watery Diarrhea/Cholera
Situation as of 1 February 2025
- Between 23 June 2024 and 1 February 2025, 580 culture-confirmed cholera cases in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas, with 94% from Rohingya refugee camps. Decline in the number of cases have been observed since the beginning of 2025 (Figure 1).
Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign
- The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), supported by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and partners, has launched a reactive Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign in Cox’s Bazar. The DGHS received 1.6 million OCV doses from the International Coordinating Group (ICG).
- The campaign targeted both Rohingya refugee camps and host communities.
- In refugee camps: From 12 to 16 January 2025, a total of 976,751 individuals received OCV, which is 104% of the total target in Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. From 27 to 30 January 2025, a total of 32,150 individuals received OCV, which is 99% of the total target in Bhasan char Island in Noakhali district where 32,458 individuals were targeted.
- In host community settings: From 12 to 21 January 2025, a total of 424,866 individuals received OCV which is 104% of the total target in the host community at Ukhiya, Teknaf, Ramu, and Naikhongchari where 407 997 eligible population were targeted for vaccination.
- Collaboration with local health authorities and partners ensures comprehensive coverage.
- Sustained investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure will be crucial to preventing future cases and safeguarding the health of vulnerable communities.