The massive influx of refugees into Bangladesh after a violence against Rohingya people in Myanmar in 2015 has had a profound impact on the local host communities, straining resources, infrastructure, public services and the local economy. About one million Rohingya refugees are hosted in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

From the beginning of the crisis, PWS&D, in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank and ACT Alliance members, responded to the needs of thousands of Rohingya refugees by providing life-saving food assistance, temporary shelter, and water and sanitation services, as well as ensuring psychosocial assistance was available to those who need it.

After COVID-19 exacerbated need for many Rohingya refugees, PWS&D responded through the ACT Alliance to increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to help prevent the spread of the disease. Families also received food vouchers to help them meet their basic needs and boost the local economy.