Imagine a crowded refugee camp, where thousands of vulnerable lives hang in the balance, threatened by a silent killer: cholera. This was the stark reality for Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, until a groundbreaking effort turned the tide. But here's where it gets inspiring: through meticulous planning, innovative strategies, and unwavering collaboration, health organizations and local authorities transformed a dire outbreak into a story of resilience and preparedness. And this is the part most people miss—how a combination of vaccination campaigns, community engagement, and system strengthening can create lasting change.
In January 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside the Government of Bangladesh and other health partners, launched an ambitious Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign targeting both Rohingya refugees and nearby host communities. The results were nothing short of remarkable: 976,751 individuals were vaccinated, achieving a staggering 103.6% coverage—a figure likely boosted by a recent refugee influx and data discrepancies. Notably, children under 18, who made up 42% (410,235) of those vaccinated, were prioritized to safeguard the most vulnerable.
But what made this campaign truly stand out? Months of behind-the-scenes work laid the foundation. WHO spearheaded technical preparations, training vaccinators in safe administration, data management, and cold-chain logistics. Equally vital were the volunteers who went door to door, raising awareness and ensuring no family was overlooked. By the end of January, confirmed cholera cases plummeted from 170 in December to just 32—a fivefold reduction signaling the outbreak’s end.
Yet, the story doesn’t end there. In April 2025, a second OCV round targeted 177,222 children aged 1–5, the group most at risk of severe illness. This effort was paired with enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and robust surveillance systems, fortifying Cox’s Bazar’s defenses against cholera and other infectious diseases. But here’s the controversial part: while these interventions were life-saving, they also highlighted the ongoing challenges of resource allocation and long-term sustainability in humanitarian settings. Is it enough to respond to crises, or should we focus more on building resilient health systems from the ground up?
Building on these successes, in May 2025, WHO and the Government of Bangladesh staged a cholera preparedness simulation exercise. This drill tested emergency response capabilities, refined outbreak protocols, and strengthened multisectoral collaboration, ensuring health and WASH partners could act swiftly in future crises. And this is the part that sparks debate: How do we balance immediate crisis response with long-term capacity building? Are we doing enough to empower local communities to lead these efforts?
This journey from outbreak to preparedness is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation. But it also raises critical questions: How can we sustain these gains? What role should international organizations play in supporting local health systems? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your perspective in the comments below. To dive deeper into this transformative story, click here: Read More.
