Bangladesh: from outbreak to preparedness: protecting Rohingya communities against cholera


Bangladesh: from outbreak to preparedness: protecting Rohingya communities against cholera


In January 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Bangladesh and other health partners, launched a mass Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign for both Rohingya refugees and nearby host communities.

The campaign vaccinated 976,751 people, reaching 103.6% coverage, likely due to a refugee influx and denominator inaccuracies. Children made up 42% (410,235) of those vaccinated.

The success of the campaign was built on months of careful planning and coordination. WHO led technical preparations, trained vaccinators on safe delivery, data documentation, and cold-chain management, and ensured equitable coverage across all 33 camps. Volunteers went door to door, raising awareness and making sure no family was left behind.

By the end of January, confirmed cholera cases had dropped from 170 in December to just 32, a fivefold reduction signaling the end of the outbreak.