A significant drop in foreign aid has forced the closure of many health facilities in Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, according to officials. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman announced on Sunday that the number of health centers in the camps had decreased from 160 to 120, with services in the remaining facilities being significantly scaled back due to financial constraints.
Speaking at a discussion titled "Integrated Approach to Eye Care Services in Humanitarian Settings: Lessons and Best Practices," organized by Orbis International and The Financial Express in Dhaka, Rahman emphasized the ongoing struggles faced by the Rohingya population. He noted that Bangladesh is finding it increasingly difficult to sustain programs for the refugees as global attention shifts elsewhere.
“This is not solely Bangladesh’s responsibility,” Rahman stated. “We have taken on the burden on behalf of the international community, including the United Nations. Now, they are forgetting us.”
He further noted that international agencies working for the Rohingyas are also facing funding shortages, which has exacerbated the crisis.
Professor Dr. AHM Enayet Hussain, president of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) and country chair of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), highlighted that eye care, once viewed purely as a health issue, is now becoming a development concern. “With better eye care, individuals can contribute more to society,” he said, while calling for improved coordination among agencies to prioritize eye health in government facilities.
Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Md Shamsud Douza emphasized the importance of health literacy, particularly in eye care, so that people can better understand their conditions and seek timely treatment. He also called for more awareness around cornea donation, which could help restore sight for many.
Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of *The Financial Express*, urged government and non-government organizations to launch eye health awareness campaigns in partnership with the media. He also suggested integrating eye care education into school curriculums to raise awareness from an early age.
Dr. Munir Ahmed, country director of Orbis International, extended a vote of thanks at the event, which was moderated by Shiabur Rahman, head of online and digital content at *The Financial Express*. The discussion included representatives from local and international organizations involved in the Rohingya response program, along with government bodies, who explored challenges and opportunities in eye care and broader health services for the Rohingya community.
Participants shared ideas on how to improve health programs for Rohingya refugees, emphasizing the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach.
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