Japan has allocated $3.2 million (JPY 500 million) to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts in reducing illness and preventable deaths among Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
The agreement was formalised through an exchange of notes between Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, and WHO’s Representative in Bangladesh, Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed.
WHO highlighted that the Rohingya crisis has persisted for eight years, making it one of the longest-running humanitarian emergencies in the world. Since the crisis escalated in August 2017, Japan has played a crucial role in the response, contributing over $240 million to UN agencies and NGOs working in Bangladesh.
WHO has been operating in Cox’s Bazar since September 2017, leading the health sector’s response in coordination with over 70 humanitarian agencies. These collective efforts aim to ensure access to healthcare for the vulnerable Rohingya population.
Rohingya refugees face significant risks due to their reliance on humanitarian aid and exposure to disease outbreaks such as cholera, hepatitis, and dengue. Children and women are particularly vulnerable, with half of the refugee population being under 18 years old and 51% being female.
Under the Joint Response Plan, the WHO-Japan initiative will focus on strengthening healthcare services in both Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
The project is designed to address healthcare disparities, ensuring equal access to quality medical services for Rohingya refugees and local communities while promoting overall well-being. Additionally, it will reinforce WHO-led efforts in epidemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and emergency response.
Key components of the project include training healthcare workers, procuring essential medical supplies—particularly for treating Hepatitis C—monitoring healthcare service quality, and conducting research on disease patterns and transmission in the region.
The initiative will run for 12 months, benefiting approximately 1.1 million Rohingya refugees and host community members.
During the signing ceremony at the WHO office in Dhaka, the Japanese Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with Japan’s contribution at a critical time for fundraising. He emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable healthcare access and improving the living conditions of refugees and host communities. He also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to sustainable solutions through international partnerships.
The WHO Representative welcomed Japan’s generous support, stating that it would help WHO maintain access to essential health services for Rohingya refugees and the local population in coordination with the Bangladeshi government and health organisations.
This funding will also assist Bangladesh in achieving its health-related Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda.
Expressing appreciation, the WHO Representative acknowledged Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh.