The vast refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, home to over a million Rohingya people, present one of the world's most complex humanitarian health challenges. Amidst this ongoing crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners relentlessly work to safeguard the well-being of a vulnerable population. The situation report for February 2026 highlights a dedicated continuation of these efforts, focusing on robust health coordination, enhanced service delivery, and critical protection measures. ## Uniting Efforts for Better Health: The Power of Coordination Effective health response in a setting as vast and intricate as Cox's Bazar hinges on strong coordination. The WHO plays a pivotal role in leading the Health Sector, bringing together numerous humanitarian organizations to ensure a cohesive and impactful strategy. Throughout February 2026, monthly Health Sector meetings were regularly convened at both the central Cox's Bazar level and across 33 individual camps. These gatherings are vital platforms for sharing updates on funding, discussing disease trends, reviewing immunization progress, addressing sexual and reproductive health needs, supporting mental health initiatives, and refining emergency preparedness plans. Crucially, these coordination efforts are backed by robust information management. Tools like the 4W (Who, What, Where, When), Health Resources Availability Mapping System (HeRAMS), and training calendars are made accessible through live dashboards. This transparency and data-sharing enable all partners to understand the operational landscape, identify gaps, and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately improving the reach and quality of health services for the refugee and host communities. ## Integrating Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Primary Healthcare One of the significant achievements highlighted in the report is the progress towards integrating essential health and nutrition services at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. For vulnerable populations, particularly children, malnutrition is a pervasive threat that can weaken immune systems and exacerbate the impact of diseases. By combining nutrition programs with general healthcare, facilities can offer more comprehensive support under one roof, making services more accessible and efficient. An assessment involving 46 PHC facilities revealed that 42 participated in evaluating their readiness to integrate key nutrition services. Encouragingly, 25 facilities, representing 60% of those assessed, reported being ready to implement Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP), Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programme (TSFP), and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) services by April 1, 2026. OTP addresses severe acute malnutrition, TSFP tackles moderate acute malnutrition, and IYCF promotes optimal feeding practices for infants and young children. This integration is a crucial step towards preventing and treating malnutrition more effectively, thereby improving the overall health outcomes for the refugee children and their families. ## Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations: Addressing GBV and PSEAH In any crisis setting, the risks of sexual misconduct, exploitation, abuse, and gender-based violence (GBV) are alarmingly high. Recognizing this, the WHO has placed a strong emphasis on fostering a respectful and safe environment for both beneficiaries and aid workers. During February 2026, the organization continued its rigorous Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct (PRS) training. Online orientation and refresher sessions were conducted for 174 WHO staff members across district, country, and sub-offices who had missed the 2025 training. This initiative underscores a commitment to continuous learning and accountability. Furthermore, the WHO actively supported the mainstreaming of Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) across the broader Rohingya response. Field visits were carried out to assess the readiness of health facilities to provide clinical management for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Building on the training of 141 master trainers in 2025, cascading PSEAH training sessions for Health Sector community volunteers are now underway across various camps, including Camp 4 Extension, empowering local community members with crucial knowledge and skills to identify and respond to these grave issues responsibly. ## Strengthening Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Preparedness With densely populated camps and often challenging living conditions, the threat of disease outbreaks is ever-present. The WHO’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and emergency preparedness is paramount to preventing and rapidly responding to potential epidemics. This involves a vigilant system for monitoring prevalent diseases like acute watery diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, measles, diphtheria, and dengue, which are common in such settings. Robust surveillance networks ensure that any unusual increase in cases or the emergence of new health threats is detected early. This early warning system allows for timely interventions, such as rapid diagnostic testing through enhanced laboratory services, isolation of affected individuals, and targeted public health campaigns. Emergency preparedness also extends to stockpiling essential medical supplies, developing contingency plans for potential outbreaks, and ensuring rapid response teams are ready to deploy. These proactive measures are critical in maintaining service continuity and mitigating the impact of health crises within the camps, protecting both the refugee and host communities from widespread illness. ## Immunization Programs: A Shield Against Preventable Diseases Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and impactful public health interventions. In a setting like Cox's Bazar, where crowded living conditions can accelerate disease transmission, comprehensive vaccination programs are a cornerstone of disease prevention. The WHO, in coordination with partners, continuously supports immunization campaigns targeting vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and cholera. These efforts are crucial to building community immunity and preventing large-scale outbreaks that could overwhelm already stretched health facilities. Reaching every child and eligible adult with necessary vaccines in a highly mobile and densely populated environment presents significant logistical challenges. However, through sustained campaigns, community engagement, and consistent supply chain management, progress is continually made to ensure high vaccination coverage. These programs not only protect individuals but also contribute to the overall resilience of the community against infectious diseases, reinforcing the wider public health framework in the camps. ## Looking Ahead: Sustained Support and Evolving Health Needs The work in Cox’s Bazar is an ongoing testament to the dedication of global health organizations. The February 2026 report reflects a multi-faceted approach to complex humanitarian health challenges. Beyond the highlighted areas, WHO’s efforts encompass a broader spectrum of health needs, including access to essential medicines, mental health support, and addressing non-communicable diseases, all while navigating the complexities of a protracted crisis. The organization remains committed to adapting its strategies to meet the evolving health needs of the Rohingya refugees and host communities, demonstrating a sustained resolve to ensure health and dignity for all.