Dhaka: M©decins Sans Fronti¨res (MSF), an international humanitarian medical organization based in France, has increased medical assistance in Cox’s Bazar following the measles outbreak in the country. The MSF is focused on treating affected children from Rohingya refugee camps and nearby host communities while supporting an ongoing vaccination campaign.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Cox’s Bazar, hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in the world’s largest refugee settlement, remains one of the most high-risk areas due to overcrowding and fragile living conditions that accelerate transmission and complications of measles that broke out lately across the country. MSF Country Medical Coordinator Mieke Steensen briefed on the measles situation, noting that cases had been reported regularly earlier this year, but a sharp increase from March was observed, which later accelerated during April.
Steensen highlighted that MSF teams are predominantly treating children under five, many of whom are suffering from severe pneumonia. A significant concern remains the low vaccination coverage, as approximately three-quarters of confirmed cases were unvaccinated. In April, MSF treated 284 patients, as stated in an MSF press release.
On April 19, MSF opened a new isolation unit in Jamtoli camp to bolster health services, according to the release. MSF is also supporting the ongoing vaccination campaign launched on April 26.