US donates 1mn health products for Rohingyas

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided 622,800 doses of injectable contraceptives to the government of Bangladesh for the Rohingya refugees.

In response to a request from the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, it handed over the health products on Sunday last, said a US Embassy press release on Wednesday.

With this, the total contributions from the United States rose to nearly 1 million doses worth US$ 901,232, the release added.

This latest contribution of injectable contraceptives follows an earlier donation of 292,000 doses delivered in February last and 3 million sachets of oral rehydration solution delivered in December 2017.

Since August 25, 2017, the US government has provided over US$ 110 million to assist Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya people have fled across the border from Myanmar into Cox's Bazar, where Rohingya refugees face significant health challenges and limited availability of health products and services.

Newborns, children, and pregnant and lactating women are especially susceptible to malnutrition, food insecurity and infectious disease.

USAID Mission Director Janina Jaruzelski said, "USAID remains committed to helping the most vulnerable Rohingya refugees gain access to essential and life-saving health commodities. This latest contribution could help thousands of families."

USAID's support to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh has focused primarily on immediate needs for life-saving food assistance and urgent nutrition services, the release said.