At the age of 20, Junnot Ullah is one of many remarkable youths among Rohingya refugees engaging at local and community levels to lift the spirit of his people and enhance their health and well-being amidst a pandemic that has dramatically shaken the world.
With nearly one million people at risk at Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, youth engagement is instrumental to empower communities with key information that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, enhance early detection and response and, ultimately, will save lives.
Junnot is advocating to formal education for the Rohingya children and youth - WHO/ Tatiana Almeida
“As a refugee I am not only here to receive assistance, I want to contribute to the COVID-19 outbreak response. Insha Allah (God willing), one day I will be a doctor like my grandfather”, he says.
A Rohingya educator, a volunteer and a community health worker, Junnot is an inspiration. He is shy at first, but when engaging in a conversation in his perfectly spoken English and Bangla he sounds like a true leader and driver of change.
As the eldest of four children, and with his father still in Myanmar, Junnot carries on his shoulders the survival of his family: mother, siblings and grandfather.
“My father is a teacher in Myanmar and his mission there is very important. I must take care of our family here. I will try to apply for a scholarship because formal education is the only way to contribute to the recovery of the Rohingya people”, explains Junnot.
A hero in unprecedented times, this young Rohingya is passing on to his family infection prevention and control measures. That includes washing hands more often, avoiding handshakes and wearing a mask.
“I made sure that all members of my family are wearing a mask. I am also educating my friends and community to stay healthy and safe everywhere, all the time”, he says.
Countries will need young people’s leadership now more than ever. Like Junnot, they are the leaders and drivers of change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO/ Tatiana Almeida