Sign in Subscribe
Cholera

From Outbreak to Preparedness: Protecting Rohingya Communities Against Cholera

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations World Health Organization and the Government of Bangladesh collaborated on a mass Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign in Cox's Bazar, targeting Rohingya refugees and nearby host communities. The January 2025 campaign reached an unprecedented 103.6% coverage, with 976,751 people vaccinated, including 42% (410,235) children. This massive effort brought the cholera outbreak under control, with confirmed cases dropping from 170 in December to 32 by the end of January. A second OCV round in April 2025 further strengthened the health system against cholera and other infectious threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint campaign between WHO and the Government of Bangladesh led to a 97.65% reduction in confirmed cholera cases within a month, highlighting the effectiveness of mass vaccination.
  • The campaign achieved 103.6% coverage, likely due to a refugee influx and denominator inaccuracies, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
  • Children made up 42% of those vaccinated, with 410,235 children under the age of 5 protected against cholera, emphasizing the importance of pediatric vaccination.
  • The campaign built on months of careful planning, including technical preparations, training of vaccinators, and equitable coverage across all 33 camps.
  • The success of the campaign was reinforced by improved WASH services and ongoing surveillance, further solidifying Cox's Bazar's health system against cholera and other infectious threats.
  • A cholera preparedness simulation exercise in May 2025 refined outbreak protocols and reinforced multisectoral collaboration, ensuring readiness for future emergencies.

Statistics:

  • 976,751 people were vaccinated in the January 2025 campaign, reaching 103.6% coverage.
  • Children made up 42% (410,235) of those vaccinated.
  • The campaign allowed for a 97.65% reduction in confirmed cholera cases between December and January.
  • 170 confirmed cholera cases were reported in December, dropping to 32 by the end of January.
  • The April 2025 OCV round vaccinated 177,222 children aged 1-5 years.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization. (2025, October 30). Bangladesh: From outbreak to preparedness: Protecting Rohingya communities against cholera. Retrieved from

Read more