Dr Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative a.i. to Bangladesh, visited the WHO Emergency sub-office in Cox’s Bazar from December 8th to 10th, 2024. During his visit, he toured key camp areas, met with the Civil Surgeon, received briefings from WHO team leads, and participated in the Healthy and Respectful Workplace celebrations. The visit aimed to strengthen health initiatives and foster collaboration.
Dr Jamsheed made a courtesy visit to the Civil Surgeon, who, while no detailed discussions took place, commended the Cox’s Bazar Sub Office for its support, particularly in Human Resources.
Team leads and technical staff in Cox’s Bazar briefed Dr Jamsheed, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of ongoing health initiatives and challenges. These briefings enabled him to assess the progress and impact of health programs, identify obstacles, and strategize future actions to prioritize and plan health interventions. “Visiting Cox’s Bazar has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and dedication. Together, we are making significant strides in improving health outcomes for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Our commitment to effective health interventions and staff well-being remains unwavering,” – Dr Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.
The WHO Representative visited the Save the Children (SCI) PHC in Camp 21 and the IOM PHC in Camp 3, both partnering with WHO on the Hepatitis C response. Since the launch of Hepatitis C surveillance in March 2024, up to December 11, 2024, a total of 1,874 Hepatitis C RNA tests have been conducted, with 1,263 yielding positive results. Additionally, 133 post-treatment tests showed no detectable Hepatitis C RNA, and 761 individuals are currently undergoing treatment. WHO has supplied Hepatitis C medications to IOM, Save the Children, and BRAC for 850 patients and plans to procure drugs for 19,760 patients, along with Hepatitis C RT PCR kits and consumables.
At Camp 21, Dr Jamsheed was briefed on the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign for female Rohingya students (Grades 5-9) and out-of-school girls (ages 10-14). He observed the verification process, interacted with vaccinated girls, and visited the Hepatitis C treatment center. At Camp 3, he observed the HPV vaccination campaign across all health facilities and discussed cholera prevention and treatment with hospital management. WHO, in collaboration with the WASH sector through the Joint Assessment and Response Team (JART), is addressing cholera outbreaks by strengthening surveillance and data collection. Amid a nationwide spike in dengue cases, Dr Jamsheed discussed prevention and treatment strategies. WHO has trained healthcare workers to identify, diagnose, treat, and refer dengue patients early. Hospital management expressed gratitude for WHO’s support, particularly in staff training.
Dr Jamsheed’s visit to Cox’s Bazar is a sign of close collaboration between IOM and partners. WHO’s commitment to enhancing health initiatives and addressing the needs of Rohingya refugees is truly commendable.” Said Dr Hamim Tassdik, NPO, Emergency Preparedness and Response, IOM. On December 10th, Dr. Jamsheed participated in the WHO Healthy and Respectful Workplace Day, promoting staff collaboration and valuing cultural diversity. He assured staff that their concerns were noted, and a commission was established to address them.
Dr Jamsheed’s visit to Cox’s Bazar underscores WHO’s commitment to enhancing health initiatives and fostering strong partnerships. Through collaborative efforts, significant progress is being made to improve the well-being of both Rohingya refugees and host communities. This visit highlights WHO’s vital role in emergencies, the effectiveness of public health interventions in refugee settings, and the importance of staff well-being and cultural diversity in achieving sustainable outcomes.
