A Story of Battling AIDS in Rohingya Camps

Photo: Collected

(Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar): In the sprawling Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar, a silent battle is underway. Amid the chaotic rhythm of life in makeshift shelters, a growing health crisis demands urgent attention—HIV/AIDS. While the global fight against HIV has made remarkable progress, these camps tell a story of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of community-driven solutions.

For many in the camps, the term “HIV” was foreign until recent years. Since the beginning of the United Nations-supported HIV screening program in 2017, over 950 individuals in Cox’s Bazar have been diagnosed with the virus, including 771 Rohingya refugees. Health workers believe the numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.

Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Civil Surgeon of Cox’s Bazar, explains, “HIV was already prevalent among Rohingyas in Myanmar. But the lack of awareness and preventive measures caused it to spread further after their displacement to Bangladesh. Without significant interventions, the problem could worsen.”

A Struggle Against Stigma

In a dimly lit shelter, 35-year-old Rina (name changed), a Rohingya mother of four, shares her story. “I never knew about HIV. When I heard someone in my block was diagnosed, I was terrified. But health workers came and explained the disease. They said it doesn’t spread through casual contact.”

Rina now volunteers with a community awareness program run by an international NGO. She organizes small group sessions, teaching her neighbors about safe practices and the importance of regular testing. “It’s not easy,” she admits. “Many people think HIV is a death sentence or a punishment. We have to fight ignorance every day.”

Prevention Through Education

The root cause of HIV’s spread in the camps lies in a lack of sexual health education and resources. Most refugees had little to no knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before their arrival in Bangladesh.

Shafiqul Islam, a local health worker, explains, “Many refugees, especially women, are unaware of how to protect themselves. Cultural taboos around discussing sexual health make it harder to educate them. But we are making progress through peer educators like Rina.”

Workshops and seminars organized by NGOs and local health departments have started to shift perceptions. In these sessions, participants learn about safe sex practices, the importance of using condoms, and the availability of free testing and treatment services.

Challenges of Testing and Treatment

Despite ongoing awareness efforts, many refugees are reluctant to undergo testing. Fear of stigma and social exclusion keeps people from seeking help, even when symptoms appear.

Moulana Shahin (name changed), a 30-year-old community leader, recalls his initial hesitation. “When I first heard about HIV, I thought it only happened to ‘bad people.’ But a health worker convinced me to get tested. I’m grateful I did because now I’m receiving treatment.”

For those diagnosed, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is provided at health camps run by the UN and local organizations. However, limited resources mean that not all patients receive timely treatment. Health facilities in the camps are overburdened, and stockouts of essential medicines remain a constant challenge.

Collaborative Efforts

To address the crisis, health organizations, the Bangladeshi government, and international partners are ramping up efforts. Mobile health clinics now offer testing and counseling services directly within the camps, reducing logistical barriers for patients.

Sarah Khan, a representative of an international NGO, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “No single organization can tackle this alone. We work with local leaders, government agencies, and other NGOs to provide comprehensive support—education, testing, treatment, and psychosocial care.”

Role of Youth and Women

Youth-led initiatives are also gaining momentum. Organizations are training young Rohingyas to become peer educators, spreading awareness among their communities. Meanwhile, women’s groups are empowering female refugees to take charge of their health.

One such program, led by a women’s collective, focuses on creating safe spaces for discussions about sexual health. These sessions have helped reduce stigma and encourage more women to seek testing.

A Path Forward

As the sun sets over the camps, the voices of children playing mingle with the hum of generators. For health workers and volunteers, the day’s work is far from over. The fight against HIV/AIDS in Rohingya camps is a long and challenging journey, but progress is being made.

With sustained support, education, and compassion, there is hope for a future where the shadow of HIV/AIDS no longer looms over the Rohingya community. Until then, heroes like Rina, Shahin, and countless unnamed health workers will continue to fight for every life, one conversation, one test, and one treatment at a time.