In the crowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, child immunisation stands as a beacon of hope for a healthier future. Despite the challenges of overcrowding and the ever-present risk of infectious disease, a remarkable transformation is underway. Rohingya volunteers trained as immunisation champions are breaking barriers of rumor and misinformation to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines.

When over 700,000 Rohingya refugees fled violence in Myanmar and arrived in Bangladesh in 2017, many, like Shamjida, had little knowledge about vaccines. “We didn’t receive any in Myanmar,” she recalls. Her story reflects a broader challenge: before interventions began, immunisation coverage in some areas of the camps was as low as 40%, largely due to vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation. 

In response, the Government of Bangladesh, supported by partners like Community Partners International (CPI), launched a program to bring routine immuniation under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) to children under two in the refugee camps. The focus is on protecting children from ten vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis (BCG), measles, and pneumonia.

Central to this effort are the Rohingya immunisation volunteers—members of the community who serve as trusted messengers. By building personal connections and using culturally sensitive approaches, these volunteers play a vital role in increasing vaccine uptake.

Shamjida admits that, at first, she was hesitant to vaccinate her youngest child. “I heard from others that vaccines would make my child sick, cause pain, or even make him lose his religion,” she says. Her doubts were shared by many in the community, making the work of volunteers like Sayed all the more crucial.

Sayed, a dedicated immunisation volunteer, uses a patient and educational approach to counter misinformation. “I explain the diseases vaccines prevent and show pictures of their impacts,” he shares. “I also clarify that mild side effects, like a brief fever, are normal and a sign that the vaccine is working.”

If further reassurance is needed, Sayed involves local religious leaders to address concerns and build trust. This strategy helped change Shamjida’s mind. “When Sayed showed me pictures of diseases and explained how vaccines protect my baby, I realised he was right,” she says.

The volunteers act as a bridge between families and vaccination centers. They identify eligible children, provide education, and encourage parents to complete the full vaccination schedule. Their efforts have had a profound impact.

In Camp 1W, where Shamjida lives, vaccine adherence among eligible children has soared from 40% to nearly 100% since the program began in 2020. The program has supported complete vaccination courses for over 3,400 children under two in Kutupalong Refugee Camp alone.

Mohammed Mehedi Hasan, a Surveillance and Immunisation Program Officer, emphasies the importance of these volunteers. “Because they are from the community, they understand people, and people trust them. Their work is key to overcoming vaccine hesitancy and promoting health-seeking behaviors.”

For parents like Shamjida, the results are clear. “I am happy that my child is safe from diseases. I will tell others that the rumors are false. Vaccines protect our children and give them a better future,” she says.

The story of immunisation in Cox’s Bazar is a testament to the power of community-led efforts. By addressing misinformation with education and empathy, Rohingya volunteers are not only protecting children but also contributing to the broader mission of the Country Learning Hub in Bangladesh: ensuring immunisation equity and leaving no child behind. 

Reference:
QuentinH. How rohingya immunization volunteers are changing minds [Internet]. Community Partners International. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://cpintl.org/type/impact-story/voices-of-trust-how-rohingya-volunteers-are-changing-minds-on-vaccination 

Picture Credit: Md. Dipu/CPI