Children bear brunt of deteriorating situation on Myanmar and Bangladesh border

Abdul Rahim, 25, lost almost everything during his family’s escape from Myanmar. He doesn’t want to lose his son as well.

Abdul says he his father was killed and all of his belongings destroyed when his village was burned down. After walking for 14 days with his wife and son, Abdul crossed into Bangladesh to settle in Tombro, a settlement near the Myanmar border.

His two-year-old son, like most of the children here, urgently need medical attention. Approximately 60% of new arrivals are children. Urgent help is needed to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera and other water-borne illnesses. The monsoon season also means clean freshwater is often difficult to get in camps like Tombro, further exacerbating the situation.

The majority of new arrivals had no time to bring water, food, clothes or other household items. A hazardous crossing often left the already ill-equipped refugees prone to injury and disease.

As more and more refugees arrive into Bangladesh, the need for medical services and emergency supplies is constantly increasing.

By working together, the Humanitarian Coalition’s member agencies can rush first-aid kits, and hygiene kits to deal with immediate emergencies while also promoting long-term health