The isolation and treatment centres have started providing medical care to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and mass deaths in the world’s biggest camps for the displaced Rohingya population, said a press release on Monday.

More than 1,500 cases of Covid-19 in the Cox’s Bazar region, including 37 confirmed cases and three deaths in the crowded camps, put an immense pressure on local government hospitals and health facilities established by international relief agencies.

Syed Ali Nasim Khaliluzzaman, Head of Population Movement Operation, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society in Cox’s Bazar, said the true extent of the outbreak may not be fully apparent yet due to limited testing and health facilities available in the camp.

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“Extremely overcrowded living conditions, the existence of chronic diseases, basic sanitation and hygiene facilities and limited access to healthcare make the displaced communities in Cox’s Bazar extremely vulnerable to the virus,” he said.

As part of a coordinated humanitarian effort, Red Crescent has already established 12 healthcare facilities in the camp and meeting the health needs remains a huge challenge for all aid organisations in Cox’s Bazar.

Sanjeev Kumar Kafley, Head of IFRC’s sub-office in Cox’s Bazar said that “The two new field hospitals are a step to closing the gap in crucial medical care, but it is important to remember that Covid-19 is not the only health emergency for the people living in these camps.

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