by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | June 23, 2026
Health officials in Cox’s Bazar have expressed concern over a continued increase in HIV cases, particularly among populations living in and around the Rohingya refugee camps.
According to data from the local health department, approximately 2,500 people living with HIV have been identified in Cox’s Bazar. Officials said that the majority of registered cases are among Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, while around 170 patients are from the local host community.
Data from the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Center at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital show that HIV cases have increased steadily in recent years. In 2025, the center recorded 217 newly identified HIV-positive cases, while 215 new cases were reported in 2024.
Health officials attribute the rise in infections to several factors, including limited awareness, inadequate health education, unsafe sexual practices, and barriers to accessing healthcare services.
Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Sabir said HIV prevalence remains significantly higher among camp populations than among local residents. He noted that health authorities and humanitarian organizations are continuing treatment services and awareness campaigns to help prevent new infections.
Medical professionals have also raised concerns about mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Some children have contracted the virus from their mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Doctors at the ART Center said HIV-positive mothers are receiving specialized support through the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, which aims to reduce the risk of transmission to newborns.
Health experts say stronger awareness campaigns, expanded testing services, improved health education, and uninterrupted access to treatment will be essential to preventing further infections and addressing the growing public health challenge.
