On 27 April 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and health sector partners, launched the second-round of a targeted Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign in Cox’s Bazar. This initiative aims to administer a second dose of the vaccine to Rohingya refugee children aged 1 to 5 years, building on the success of the initial mass vaccination campaign conducted earlier this year. Running from April 27 to 30, 2025, the second phase is focused on strengthening immunity among the youngest and most vulnerable population.

Cholera surveillance data collected between June 29, 2024, and January 29, 2025, during the outbreak period, revealed that children aged 1 to 5 years accounted for 39% (226 of 581) of reported cases. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen immunity in this vulnerable group. In response, approximately 166,661 refugee children are being targeted for the second dose in the vaccination round.

"As a Community Health Worker, I see firsthand the difference each vaccine makes. Parents are eager to protect their children, and this second dose gives them renewed hope for a healthier future," said Rahima Begum, a Community Health Worker supporting the OCV campaign in Cox’s Bazar.