WHO Cox’s Bazar: Rohingya emergency crisis - Situation Report: January 2026

This report provides a consolidated overview of WHO’s response to the Rohingya emergency in Cox’s Bazar in January 2026. It highlights coordination, surveillance, immunization, emergency preparedness, laboratory services, and operational achievements, emphasizing efforts to maintain service continuity, strengthen outbreak preparedness, and respond to evolving health needs among refugee and host communities. 

The Health Sector reconvened its four Technical Working Groups under existing leadership to strengthen coordination across priority programmes. Each group operates with clear objectives, measurable indicators, and a strategic action plan. The TWGs are led by WHO (Epidemiology, Case Management, and Infection Prevention and Control), UNHCR (Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers), UNFPA (Sexual and Reproductive Health), and jointly by IOM and UNHCR (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support). 

A facility readiness assessment was initiated following a Health and Nutrition Sector meeting on 20 January 2026 to evaluate staffing, infrastructure, and operational capacity in preparation for integrated health and nutrition services by 1 April 2026. Results will guide final rollout strategies. Monthly Health Sector meetings were held at Cox’s Bazar level and across 33 camps, providing updates on funding, disease surveillance, immunization, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and emergency preparedness.

All Health Sector information management products and live dashboards (4W, HeRAMS, and training calendars) are accessible at: https://rohingyaresponse.org/sectors/coxs-bazar/health/ 

The Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PRSEAH) unit reviewed findings from the 2025 Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) survey, identifying perception gaps and realigning the mitigation action plan. 

Targeted consultations with staff, in collaboration with the Leadership and Management Team and Staff Association, are planned to strengthen mitigation measures.