In August 2017, over 750,000 ethnic Rohingya people from Myanmar fled their homes to escape a horrific wave of violence. Most of them fled to neighboring Bangladesh, where they joined hundreds of thousands already living in refugee camps in the country's south-eastern districts of Cox's Bazar and Bandarban. Neither the Government of Bangladesh nor the international community were prepared for what would become the fastest-growing refugee crisis in the world. Within a very short time, the Bangladeshi government and the United Nations set up refugee camps.
Together, these camps form a mega-camp - the largest refugee camp in the world. The situation here has remained dramatic ever since: hygienic conditions are catastrophic. In the overcrowded and hot environment, diseases can spread uncontrollably, especially during the rainy season. There is a lack of adequate water supply, food, appropriate shelter and sanitation facilities, access to healthcare, education, and much more. Poverty among the surrounding population has also increased significantly.
To improve the dire conditions for people in the refugee camps, we are working on the ground in the areas of health, water, sanitation and hygiene. Through three health centres, we provide medical care, particularly for expectant mothers and newborns, and offer psychosocial support. To help contain the spread of disease, we also conduct health and hygiene trainings in the camps and have improved sanitation facilities in schools and community clinics.
At the same time, massive cuts to international humanitarian funding are significantly worsening the situation: they are putting vital aid services under pressure and making it more difficult to maintain and expand existing support.
The local population living around the refugee camps is also heavily affected by poverty. We support them in building self-reliant pathways out of poverty, developing new income opportunities, and effectively advocating for their political interests.
Through our local partner organisations, we also provide emergency assistance in the event of natural disasters such as floods, and we work specifically to strengthen local actors so that aid remains effective in the long term.
For Minuara and her baby, our small health post inside a refugee camp in Cox's Bazar became something rare: a place of trust. Find out what difficult decision she made, that would later save their lives.
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The ToGETHER project empowers local actors in Bangladesh and focuses on people-centered aid. These are real stories of impact.
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From floor mat weaving to poultry farming and sewing reusable bags, Shibani is turning small steps into big change for her family. With support from Malteser International and Mukti Foundation, she’s building a resilient, self-reliant future one skill at a time.
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65-year-old Mohammad Akter (name changed) fled Myanmar in 2017 and now lives in the world’s largest refugee camp. One object connects his past and present: a wooden armchair he carried on the long journey.
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Nur Kaida was shocked to discover she was pregnant. Unsure how to provide for two children, she began eating less to cope. Thankfully, a Community Health Worker visited her just in time.
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Rajuma is only 30 years old, but has endured the most unimaginable horrors. During brutal attacks in Myanmar, Rajuma lost everyone in her family, except one of her five children.
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In May, Cyclone Mocha hit vulnerable communities in Cox’s Bazar and Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Strong winds and heavy rains caused flooding, landslides, and widespread damage. Tens of thousands were affected. Here’s how we responded.
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When Koli’s period stopped, she couldn’t even afford a pregnancy test. Relief came when a Community Health Worker told her about the nearby Amjakhali Community Clinic, where she sought help.
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For nearly three years, Dr. Sadia Afroz has managed a clinic in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar to support Rohingya health. We spoke with her about her work, the challenges, and what keeps her going.
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In the early days of a crisis, media coverage is intense, but soon fades, along with public interest and aid. Yet the emergency continues. Bangladesh is one of three countries spotlighted in the #IntoFocus campaign, which aims to raise awareness of forgotten crises.
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Since 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have found safety in Bangladesh. But for many, like Jamalida, survival isn’t enough: “We have food, but no peace. Home is still my house in Myanmar.”
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“I’m always there for them, day or night”. 50-year-old Fatema is one of around 100 community health workers at our clinics. With Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), she supports pregnant women in the world’s largest refugee camp.
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The Rohingya are one of the many ethnic minorities in Myanmar. The vast majority are Muslim living in mainly Buddhist Myanmar. They have been called the "world's most persecuted minority". Find out why.
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Yasin Sadak* still feels pain from the gunshot wounds on his forearm and hand, a horrific experience that would remain with him. He remembers the fateful night in August 2017, when he was shot while running away from armed men who had attacked his village in northwestern Myanmar.
Read moreAs a sponsoring partner, your regular donation gives real, life-changing help to people in need in our project regions. Your commitment helps us plan ahead and bring about long-lasting impact.
Your regular gift secures a future!
Project regions:
Bagerhat, Cox’s Bazar, Kurigram, Satkhira, Sunamganj
Partners:
Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), Association for Alternative Development (AFAD), Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), Mukti Foundation, Programme for Helpless and Lagged Societies (PHALS), and Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA)
info@malteser-international.org
Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V.
Reference:
Malteser International
Account number: 1201200012
IBAN:
DE10 3706 0120 1201 2000 12
S.W.I.F.T./BIC: GENODED1PA7
(Pax Bank Cologne)
