Due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Bangladesh, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR and the humanitarian community awaits for Covax facility that would supply over 10 million vaccines for Rohingya refugees and the host community.
Rohingya camps saw a significant rise of Covid-19 cases between April and May. According to UNHCR data, at least 20 people died of Covid infections in the camps, while 1,566 Covid-19 cases were confirmed as of June 20th. The UN refugee agency also stated that, some 600 of these cases were recorded in May alone.
The UNHCR spokesperson in Cox’s Bazar, Louise Donovan said, “In Bangladesh, UNHCR and the humanitarian community continue to advocate that the vaccination of Rohingyas should begin as soon as Covax vaccines arrive.”
She also mentioned that the previous date of Covax delivery had to be postponed as the arrival of the vaccines remains pending and no new date has been set yet. However, the facility prioritizes the most vulnerable countries including Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugees.
At present, due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, the host authority has imposed a strict lockdown in five Rohingya refugee camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
