Rohingya Crisis - Health Nutrition Protection and WASH Assistance in Bangladesh - ACF 2020

March 2020 – Following the outbreak of violence in Northern Rakhine State in August 2017 more than 700 000 Rohingya people crossed from Myanmar into Bangladesh over a period of several months. Currently there are approximately 855 000 Rohingya refugees living in 34 highly congested settlements in Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh. The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in significant humanitarian needs. With GAC’s support Action Against Hunger (ACF) is providing comprehensive gender-responsive nutrition health protection and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programming to address lifesaving needs and reduce vulnerability. Project activities include: (1) treating acutely malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women; (2) providing mental health psychosocial support and protection information programs and services; (3) upgrading sanitation facilities with solar lighting locks and gender-specific signage; (4) providing training and support to women leaders to promote the advancement and protection of women and girls; and (5) conducting information sessions with men and boys on the prevention of gender-based violence and child marriage.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to gender-responsive sanitation facilities undernutrition prevention and treatment programs mental health and psychosocial support and protection services; (2) enhanced participation of women and girls in decision-making regarding their protection sexual and reproductive health; and (3) increased knowledge of men and boys of gender equality (GE) issues that enables them to better support the social and economic advancement of women and girls and the promotion of GE in their household and communities. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in communities experiencing humanitarian crises or that are food insecure.