COVID-19 SITUATION ANALYSIS - CRISIS TYPE:EPIDEMIC BANGLADESH - ReliefWeb
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Main Implementing Partner
COVID-19 BANGLADESH
SITUATION ANALYSIS
APRIL 2021
CRISIS TYPE:EPIDEMIC
Better Data Better Decisions Better Outcomes
The outbreak of disease caused by the virus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 started in China in December 2019. The virus quickly spread across the world, with the WHO Director-General declaring it as a pandemic on March 11th, 2020. The virus’s impact has been felt acutely by countries facing humanitarian crises due to conflict and natural disasters. As humanitarian access to vulnerable communities has been restricted to basic movements only, monitoring and assessments have been interrupted. To overcome these constraints and provide the wider humanitarian community with timely and comprehensive information on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, iMMAP initiated the COVID-19 Situational Analysis project with the support of the USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA), aiming to provide timely solutions to the growing global needs for assessment and analysis among humanitarian stakeholders.
CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary / Highlights
Page 4
2. COVID-19 Epidemic Overview
Page 11
3. COVID-19 Containment Measures
Page 16
4. Information and Communication for COVID-19
Page 17
5. COVID-19 Impact and Humanitarian Conditions
Page 18
Livelihoods 19
Food Security 21
Health 23
Nutrition 25
WASH 27
Shelter 29
Education 30
Protection 32
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / HIGHLIGHTS
Figure 1. Overall COVID-19 data for Bangladesh (Source: (WHO sitreps and HEOC and Control Room, IEDCR, DHIS2) )
Infection Death Tests Vaccination
745K 11K 5.34M 8.62M
Bangladesh
COVID-19 infections COVID-19 deaths Tests conducted Vaccinated as of
as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 30 April 2021
525 11 0
Community
Cox’s Bazar
37.6K
Refugee
COVID-19 infections COVID-19 deaths Tests conducted Vaccinated as of
as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 30 April 2021
7,488 84 78.8K 126K
Community
Cox’s Bazar
Host
COVID-19 infections COVID-19 deaths Tests conducted Vaccinated as of
as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 as of 25 April 2021 30 April 2021
Throughout April, Bangladesh reported more than 2,000 weeks. During April, the number of operational isolation
fatalities from COVID-19, almost double the previous facilities and functional beds decreased in comparison to
record of deaths in July last year, making it the deadliest the previous month, while an increase in bed occupancy
month since the beginning of the pandemic. However, the has been observed throughout April.
number of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh has been on a
downward trend since the last week of April, likely due to In Cox’s Bazar, the national COVID-19 containment measures
the restrictions which were imposed by the government are being adopted locally. In response to the increase
on 5th April and extended until 5th May. The nationwide in the number of cases among the host community, the
COVID-19 vaccination which was launched on 7 February Government of Bangladesh and the Office of the Refugee
2021, is facing some challenges, primarily due to shortages Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RCCC) in Cox’s
of vaccines as a result of India’s decision to stop exporting Bazar have imposed movement restrictions and other
the vaccine. Vaccination campaigns for international mitigation measures in district and camp areas.
humanitarian workers have also started in Cox’s Bazar
district. Findings from the final Refugee influx Emergency
Vulnerability Assessment (REVA 4) shed light on the impact
The nationwide increase in deaths has not yet been seen of the COVID-19 on livelihoods, food security, adoption
in Cox’s Bazar including the refugee camps, despite an of coping mechanisms for both the refugees and host
increasing trend in the positive COVID-19 cases among communities. The assessment has shown an overall
both the host and refugee communities in the past few increase in vulnerability and in the adoption of negative
4 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better Outcomescoping strategies among the two communities, decreasing WASH facilities increased protection risks for women
their ability to absorb future shocks. These findings are and children.
utilised to analyse the potential impact of the ongoing
lockdown in Bangladesh, since the beginning of April. As of April, schools and other educational institutions
Given the increased vulnerability and lack of ability to deal remain closed, which in turn also increases protection
with shocks, the lockdown is expected to have negative concerns for children. Schools continue to remain closed.
impacts if not mitigated. Access to distance learning remains challenging for
refugee children and children from the host community’s
Fire incidents continue to be reported in the camps in poorer families. Protection actors highlight the increasing
Cox’s Bazar throughout April, destroying markets and negative impact this is having on the mental health of
shelters. At the same time, people who were affected by children, the exposure to risk that is faced by out-of-school
the massive fire which broke out on 22 March continue children and the detrimental impact on their cognitive and
to report challenges in accessing markets, and in shelter social development.
reconstruction. The fire incidents and loss of shelter and
5 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesFigure 2. Timeline of Major Event
745,322 11,053
25/04/2021 WHO report confirm COVID-19 deaths has exceed 11,000 in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
644.439 9,318
05/04/2021 The government of Bangladesh declared nationwide lockdown CASES DEATHS
573,687 8.720
22/03/2021 A massive fire broke out in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps CASES DEATHS
547,930 8,428
03/03/2021 14,000 Rohingya refugee have been relocated to Bhashan Char Island CASES DEATHS
538,062 8,205
07/02/2021 The national-level vaccination programme started rolling out CASES DEATHS
464,932 6,644
04/12/2020 Bangladesh has relocated 1,642 Rohingya to the Bhashan Char Island CASES DEATHS
400,251 5,818
26/10/2020 WHO report confirm COVID-19 cases has exceed 400,000 in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
207,453 2,668
21/07/2020 GoB Ministry of Health made wearing of masks mandatory for all CASES DEATHS
202,066 2,581
18/07/2020 DGHS confirmed that COVID-19 cases has exceed 200,000 in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
102,292 1,443
18/06/2020 DGHS confirmed that COVID-19 cases has exceed 100,000 in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
47,153 650
01/06/2020 GoB approves resumption of domestic flights on a limited scale CASES DEATHS
18,863 283
15/05/2020 GoB Ministry of Health confirms first COVID-19 cases in Refugee Camps CASES DEATHS
88 9
05/04/2020 GoB extends general holidays till 14 April and transport ban till 25 April CASES DEATHS
56 6
03/04/2020 DIFE estimated unemployment of 2,138,778 workers in RMG sector CASES DEATHS
26/03/2020 GoB Ministry of Road, Transport and Bridges announced transport ban
39 4
25/03/2020 The government of Bangladesh announced a stimulus package CASES DEATHS
33 3
23/03/2020 GoB Ministry of Public Administration declared general holidays CASES DEATHS
14 1
18/03/2020 GoB Ministry of Health confirms first COVID-19 death in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
0
16/03/2020 GoB Ministry of Education orders closure of all educational institutions DEATHS
3 0
08/03/2020 GoB Ministry of Health confirms first COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh CASES DEATHS
Containment measures COVID cases Economic
6 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesFigure 3. Refugee population by camp as of 27th April 2021 (Source: UNHCR 31/03/2021)
Raja Palong Total Refugee Population
884,041 Individuals
Camp 1E
Camp 1W 189,660 Families
Kutupalong
Kutupalong RC
Camp RC
Camp 4 Camp 3
2W Camp 2E 17,024
Camp 4 Kutupalong Balukhali
Extension Camp 6 Camp 7
Camp 5 Expansion Site (*22 Camps)
Camp 20 Camp 17 Camp 8W 603,315
Extension Camp 8E
Bangladesh Cox’s Bazar
Camp 20 Camp 9
Camp 18 Camp 10
r
Camp 19
ma
Camp 11
Myan
Camp 12
Camp 13
Camp 14, 15, 16
Camp 14
105,578 Camp 25
Nhilla
Camp 15 Palong Khali
Camp 25
Camp 25
Camp 16
7,778
Camp 24 Camp 24
26,717
Naf
Choukhali River
Camp
Refugee Population 26
0 - 17,002 Nayapara RC
Nayapara
17,003 - 26,474 Camp 21 Camp 21
22,578 RC
26,475 - 32,815 16,995
32,816 - 50,869 Camp 26
Myanmar 40,661
Camp 27
Bangladesh
Camp 27
1 0.5 0 1 Km
15,507
Whykong Teknaf
Camp 23
Ja
lia 6,559
Pa
lon
g Camp 22
Camp 22 Nhilla
21,329
Bay of Camp 23 Creation date: May 13, 2021
Data Sources: UNHCR Refugee Population data as of March 31, 2021
Bengal Projection: BUTM
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply
Baharchhara official endorsement or acceptance by iMMAP
7 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesCONTEXT - ECONOMIC
Most of the statements and analysis in this section remain undermine years of steady progress in poverty reduction
identical to the March 2021 report due to the lack of new in Bangladesh (World Bank 12/04/2021).
evidential reports published during the reporting period, as
the situations have not significantly evolved. The majority The Government’s Report on SDG’s in June 2020 showed
of the analysis and statements here are retrieved from that the COVID-19 pandemic decreased employment
various reports published by The World Bank. Reports opportunities for the poorest, setting back progress in
from IMF, Bangladesh Bank, UNDESA, UNICEF, IOM, REVA4 reducing the poverty rate which had fallen from 40% to
findings, and Dhaka Tribune have also been used in the 20.5% between 2005 to 2019, before increasing to 29.5%
following analysis. in 2020. Joint research by the South Asian Network on
Economic Modeling (SANEM) and ActionAid Bangladesh
indicate that household incomes decreased by 70%
Socio-economic Impact and Poverty Level in Bangladesh
due to the onslaught of COVID-19 in 2020. About 42% of
The pandemic has already unsettled Bangladesh’s long- 5,577 households went below the poverty line due to the
standing macroeconomic stability. Still, Bangladesh pandemic last year, according to the survey carried out
is leading the recovery process amongst South Asian by SANEM in November and December.
economies, due to higher-than-expected exports and
remittances, in spite of the recent spike in infections. Another study conducted jointly by The Institute for
Bangladesh is struggling with another wave of the Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and the Subir and Malini
pandemic, and this is challenging the growth going Chowdhury Centre for Bangladesh Studies at the University
downstream. The challenge for government policy is to of California, Berkeley, in support of UNDP Business and
sustain the effective response that Bangladesh made Human Rights in Asia (B+HR Asia), the UNDP Bangladesh
during the initial phase of the pandemic, including Country Office, and the Swedish International Development
supporting its most vulnerable through social safety nets, Cooperation Agency on Bangladeshi Garments workers
through support for the agriculture sector, and so forth. revealed that 82% of interviewed workers’ income in April-
Going forward, there is always the need to strengthen May 2020 had declined from February 2020. Among the
the fiscal revenue capacity of the economy to support responders, 77% reported difficulty feeding all household
expenditures. And again, working with development members (Dhaka Tribune 13/04/2021).
partners to also help fiscal cushioning (IMF, 14/04/2021).
The COVID-19 pandemic is poised to impose a substantial
Movement restrictions due to recently imposed lockdown economic cost in the long run, especially with the prolonged
are expected to once again disrupt economic activity. school closures. A recent simulation note by the World
Fiscal risks include a shortfall in international support for Bank quantified the loss of learning in terms of labour
COVID-19 vaccination programs, cost overruns on major market returns and indicated that the average Bangladeshi
infrastructure projects, and delays in tax reforms. In the student will face a reduction in annual earnings of between
event that external financing for the Rohingya response $198 to $335 once they enter the labour market, which
declines, additional public expenditure may be required. represents between 4% and 6.8% of annual income. In the
In turn, higher borrowing from domestic banks could intermediate scenario, aggregating for all students, this
constrain the availability of credit to the private sector. would cost the Bangladesh economy to lose $89 billion in
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
Challenges in the implementation of credit and social
protection programs under the government’s economic Government Fiscal and Monetary Policy
stimulus program could also undermine the recovery.
External risks stemming from the fragile global economic The Government has allocated higher for health, agriculture,
recovery, include weak demand for ready-made garments and social safety net programs in the FY21 Budget, although
(RMG) products and reduced employment of Bangladesh’s effective targeting remains a challenge. As a precautionary
overseas workforce. Low public debt levels and a low risk measure, the government has decided that 25% of
of public debt distress provide some buffer, although risks budgetary allocations for development projects will be
remain tilted to the downside. placed on hold, affecting low-priority projects. In January
2021, the government increased the COVID-19 Emergency
COVID-19 has intensified the needs of vulnerable groups, Response and Pandemic Preparedness Project costs
including informal and returning overseas migrant workers. by BDT. 56.6 billion ($666.7 million) mostly reflecting the
The pandemic-related economic effects threaten to procurement, preservation, and distribution of vaccines.
8 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesThe government has announced two additional stimulus depressed external demand for RMG (which still made
packages BDT. 15 billion ($176.7 million) for the micro and up 83% of the country’s merchandise exports in FY20).
cottage entrepreneurs and BDT. 12 billion ($141.36 million) Imports also declined by 12.1%. Lower industrial activity
cash assistance program for the disadvantaged elderly limited the demand for intermediate goods. A depressed
people, widows, and female divorcees (IMF 06/04/2021). business outlook and low investment growth weighed
Although the government had initially planned to provide on capital goods and machinery imports which declined
the cash incentives to 5 million families under the cash by 33.8% in FY20. As a result, the trade deficit widened
assistance program valued BDT. 12 billion ($141.36 million), by 7.7% in FY20. In the first eight months of FY21 (July
only 3.5 million families received them. The initiative had to 2020 to February 2021), merchandise exports began to
be stopped after allegations surfaced regarding anomalies recover gradually, but total merchandise exports were still
over the list of beneficiaries (Dhaka Tribune 13/04/2021). 1.1% below what they were over the same period of FY20.
Following the recent lockdown, the Government Likewise, the recovery in imports has also been slow, with
inaugurated the distribution of another BDT. 8.8 billion total imports declining by 6.8% in the first seven months
($103.7 million) as financial support to poor families using of FY21 (July to January). Retail sales data from key export
electronic fund transfer (EFT) (Dhaka Tribune 29/04/2021). markets suggest that the apparel sector continues to
struggle, with ongoing movement restrictions, particularly
The Export Development Fund was raised from $3.5 billion in Europe.
to $5 billion, with the interest rate slashed to 1.75% and
the refinancing limit increased. Bangladesh Bank has
Employment and Labor Market
created several refinancing schemes totaling BDT. 390
billion ($4.6 billion), a 360-day tenor special repo facility, Bangladesh experienced a significant rise in unemployment
and a credit guarantee scheme for exporters, farmers, and among low-income groups, where 90% of the jobs are in
SMEs to facilitate the implementation of the government’s the informal sector. A significant portion of these is the
stimulus packages. Bangladesh Bank also announced daily wage earners such as transport workers and vehicle
an agriculture subsidy program that will be in place until drivers, street hawkers and vendors, small businesses,
mid-2021. In addition, the government has taken measures tea-stall or food stall owners, and daily labourers. The
to delay non-performing loan classification, relax loan impact on job losses has been worse in the Micro, Small,
rescheduling policy for NBFIs, waive credit card fees and and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector which plays a
interests, suspend loan interest payments, relax credit risk critical role in providing jobs, employing 20.3 million people
rating rules for banks, extend tenures of trade instruments, in Bangladesh (about 20% Bangladesh adult population).
and ensure access to financial services. Recently, the A staggering 37% of Bangladesh’s workers have lost their
bank imposed an additional 1% general provision against jobs, temporarily or permanently, and 58% of firms have
loans that have enjoyed deferral/time extension facilities. reduced their working hours. More jobs may be at risk as the
end of the pandemic is not insight (World Bank 18/02/2021).
Impacts on Trade and Labor Market
A recent study result from the International Food Policy
As one of the countries in South Asia most exposed to global Research Institute (IFPRI) and Cornell University shows,
economic conditions, with a high share of foreign trade and in between June 2020 and January 2021, the proportion
dependence on remittances, Bangladesh is predicted to of pandemic-induced unemployment witnessed a 70%
enjoy a stronger rebound in 2021. However, the recovery decline. In June 2020 the month after the government-
is now facing significant risks with further lockdowns. The announced lockdown in Bangladesh ended, 17.2%
growth pathway seems uneven and economic activity well of main household earners of a sample population
below pre-COVID-19 estimates, as many businesses need in rural Bangladesh reported being unemployed, but
to make up for lost revenue and millions of workers, most that percentage dropped to only 5.1% in January 2021
of them in the informal sector, still reel from job losses, (Bangla Tribune 10/04/2021). Migrant returnees are also
falling incomes, worsening inequalities, and human capital vulnerable to a number of challenges such as the current
deficits (World Bank 12/04/2021). unemployment, ill health, debt repayment aside from
battling with the social stigmas related to return (IOM
Recent World Bank updates on Bangladesh indicate exports 08/03/2021).
fell by 16.8% in FY20 due to supply chain disruptions and
9 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesSocio-economic Profile and Poverty Level in Cox’s Bazar forced back to Cox’s Bazar due to job losses overseas.
According to the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and
Cox’s Bazar district had a high level of poverty even before Overseas Employment, over 400,000 migrant workers
the pandemic and has among the lowest development have returned to Bangladesh since March 2020. The return
indicators in the country before the 2017 refugee influx of the migrants heightened competition over the already
(UNICEF 13/08/2020). According to the Bangladesh Bureau scarce livelihood opportunities and contributed to the
of Statistics, Cox’s Bazar is one of the lowest-performing collapse of the local economy due to their inability to pay
districts in Bangladesh in terms of education and skills back loans (IOM 26/02/2021).
training, with about 33% of the population living below
the poverty line (IOM 26/02/2021). For the refugees within the camp setting, the contraction of
the local economy and the reduced humanitarian footprint
Adding to that education deprivation and poverty, the as a consequence of the containment measures, have had
region has been facing the impact of COVID-19 in the local a severe impact on their already unstable local income-
economy. Almost 700,000 people have lost their source generating and self-reliance activities. Although the
of income, since the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March findings from the Refugee influx Emergency Vulnerability
2020. About one year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in Assessment (REVA 4) indicated some recovery in the
Cox’s Bazar, most people still have limited access to jobs second half of 2020, the findings also showed an increase
and women are less likely than men to secure any job at in economic vulnerabilities in comparison to 2019.
all. Adding to the struggle for jobs are the many migrants
10 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesCOVID-19 EPIDEMIC OVERVIEW
Epidemic Overview at National Level COVID-19 cases confirmed by RT- PCR, GeneXpert, and
Rapid Antigen tests including 11,000 related deaths with a
The deadliest month closes with a downward trend in Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 1.48%. On 19 April, the highest
infection daily death was recorded at 112. In week 16, 26,372 new
cases were reported, a 22.9% decrease compared to the
April 2021 has been the deadliest month yet due to the previous week. However, 668 new deaths were reported,
COVID-19 pandemic. Bangladesh reported 2,404 fatalities with a 3.4% increase. Weekly new tests experienced
in April, almost double the previous record of 1,264 deaths an almost 5% decrease in comparison to the previous
in July of last year. April 2021 accounts for almost 20% week, recording 175,434 tests, while tests per million per
of the total case fatalities since the beginning of the week was only 103. Bangladesh accounts for 0.51% of the
pandemic. According to the Directorate General Health COVID-19 cases of the world, placing it among the top 33
Services (DGHS) press release, as of 25 April 2021, since the countries worldwide (WHO 26/04/2021).
beginning of the pandemic, there were more than 745,000
Figure 4. Total tests, COVID-19 cases, and deaths for Bangladesh (Source: WHO sitreps)
Bangladesh 31-Dec 31-Jan 28-Feb 29-Mar 25-Apr
Cases per month 48,578 21,629 11,077 49,498 149,608
Total confirmed cases 513,510 535,139 546,216 595,714 745,322
Tests per month 454,897 424,124 392,305 544,803 756,671
Total tests conducted 3,227,598 3,651,722 4,044,027 4,588,830 5,345,501
Deaths per month 915 568 281 496 2,149
Total deaths 7,559 8,127 8,408 8,904 11,053
Mass vaccination is at stake with supply uncertainty and registration in the “SUROKKHA” web portal has been
despite government efforts temporarily suspended from 26 April 2021. All the COVID-19
vaccination sites were functional during the month of
Bangladesh is facing a shortage of vaccines as a result of Ramadan (the month of fasting for the Muslims) to get the
India’s decision to stop vaccine exports and was forced second dose of COVID-19 only (WHO 26/04/2021).
to stop administering the first dose. The nationwide
COVID-19 vaccination was launched on 7 February 2021 The Government of Bangladesh is making all-out efforts
and the second dose inoculation started on 8 April 2021. to collect and procure vaccines from Russia, China, and
As of 25 April 2021, more than 8 million doses of Oxford/ other sources, including trying to have AstraZeneca’s
AstraZeneca (COVISHIELD) vaccine were administered in vaccine from other countries manufacturing the vaccine.
the whole country, out of which, almost 6 million people On 27 April, Bangladesh approved Sputnik V for emergency
received their first dose and more than 2 million received use following discussions with Russia. They are also in
their second dose. Almost 4 million (62%) males and talks with China to have Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine
over 2 million (38%) females received their first dose of and got confirmation to have 0.5 million doses by 12 May.
vaccine, while 1.5 million (64%) males and over 8 million Meanwhile, Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC)
(36%) females received their second dose of vaccine. So has already approved local company Globe Biotech’s
far, 11.7% of the country’s eligible population has been ‘Bangovax’ vaccine (Dhaka Tribune 06/05/2021).
vaccinated with the first dose, while in Dhaka metropolitan
the coverage is 38.0%. The COVID-19 first dose vaccination
11 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesFigure 5. Vaccination map of Bangladesh showing Cox’s Bazar in Chittagong division (Source: DGHS 29/04/2021)
Vaccination Coverage in Bangladesh (as of 29th April 2021)
Panchagarh
Thakurgaon
Total- 8,624,313
Nilphamari
5,428,909
Lalmonirhat
Ran gpu r Kurigram
3,195,404
Din ajpur
Gaibandha
Joypurh at Sh erpu r
Naogaon Netrakona Sunamganj Sylhet
Jamalpur
Bogra
N awabganj Mymensingh
Rajsh ahi H abiganj Maulvibazar
Natore Sirajganj Tangail Kishoreganj
Pabna Gaz ipu r
Kushtia Narsingdi
Brahamanbaria
Meherpur Manikgan j
Dhaka
Narayanganj
Rajbari
Chuadanga Jhenaidah
Faridpur Mu nshigan j Comilla
Magura
Shariatpur Chandpur
Narail Madaripur Khagrachhari
Jessore
Gopalganj Lakshmipur
Vaccination Coverage Barisal
Feni
Noakhali
721,342 - 1,527,097 Satkhira Pirojpur Rangamati
325,364 - 721,341 Bagerhat Jhalokati Chittagong
Khulna
134,611 - 325,363 Patuakhali
74,379 - 134,610 Bhola
28,252 - 74,378 Barguna Noakhali
0 40 80 160
KM
Bandarban
Cox's
Percentage of Total Vaccine Allocation by Bazar
Division in Bangladesh
31% ** 8,624,313 First Dose COVID-19 Vaccinations completed (as of 29th April)
21%
13%
11%
Cox's Bazar COVID-19 Vaccination Trend in April 2021
10%
5,024
5% 5% 4% 4,424
4,162
4,252
Dhaka Chittagong Khulna Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Barishal Mymensing 3,389
2,842 2,957
Bangladesh COVID-19 Vaccination Trend in April 2021 2,542
2,568 2,724 2,846
2,594
2,352
1,750
236,467 233,773
229,890 1410
1,668 1,352
207,504
189,348 207,548 186,840 191,090 1,050
488 376
276 337
199
156,646 161,335 168,772 304
154,965 154,615 132,248
24-Apr
22-Apr
29-Apr
20-Apr
25-Apr
26-Apr
27-Apr
28-Apr
12-Apr
21-Apr
10-Apr
19-Apr
13-Apr
15-Apr
17-Apr
18-Apr
11-Apr
4-Apr
3-Apr
5-Apr
6-Apr
7-Apr
8-Apr
1-Apr
119,101
96,127 120,569
106,929
42,360 39,843 Creation date: 15 May 2021
41,322 Data Sources: Health Emergency Control Center, DHIS2 Covid-19 data as of , 29th April 2021
2,914 45,538 16,181
13,028 Projection: BUTM
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do
24-Apr
22-Apr
20-Apr
29-Apr
25-Apr
26-Apr
28-Apr
27-Apr
12-Apr
21-Apr
10-Apr
19-Apr
13-Apr
15-Apr
18-Apr
17-Apr
11-Apr
4-Apr
2-Apr
3-Apr
5-Apr
6-Apr
8-Apr
7-Apr
1-Apr
not imply official endorsement or acceptance by iMMAP
12 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesNew variants, limited capacity, and public resistance Epidemic Overview in Cox’s Bazar
continue to pose challenges in containing pandemic
While an increasing trend in the positive cases among
Health experts suggested poor adherence to health safety
both host and refugee communities has been observed in
rules as the root cause of the surge in the virus infection
the past few weeks, the upward trend of deaths following
rate in the country (Dhaka Tribune 23/03/2021). Concerns
the nationwide surge has not yet been seen in Cox’s Bazar
about the spread of more contagious and deadlier variants
including the refugee camps. As of 25 April 2021, a total
of the virus have been raised by experts, notably the more
of 7,448 individuals from the host community in Cox’s
infectious UK and South African variants. Research from
Bazar district have tested positive and, a total of 84 deaths
icddr,b suggests that the South African variant accounts
being reported, with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 1.1%.
for 81% of the positive cases in Dhaka since the third week
At the same period, a total of 525 COVID-19 cases have
of March this year. Whilst data is still emerging, study
been reported among Rohingya/FDMN and 11 deaths
reports indicate that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
being reported due to confirmed COVID-19 in the camps
may offer as little as 10% protection against the South
with a Case Fatality Ratio of 2.1%. Currently, 478 general
African variant.
isolation beds are functional in 12 Severe Acute Respiratory
Despite all these concerns, the number of new coronavirus Infection (SARI) Isolation and Treatment Centers (ITCs)
cases in Bangladesh has been on a downward trend since with the provision of oxygen to assist both the Rohingya
the last week of the month, likely due to the restrictions refugee population and the nearby host communities
imposed on 5 April and extended until 5 May. However, of Cox’s Bazar. In April, a considerable increase in bed
Owing to the delayed onset of symptoms and severity, occupancy was observed, indicating the increased demand
there is a lag in hospital admissions and deaths. The rise for hospitalization due to presentation of severe disease
in COVID-19 cases has left hospitals overwhelmed, with at admission (WHO 28/04/2021).
shortages of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds being widely
Along with the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination
reported. As the newly bred Indian variant threat is on the
campaign, vaccination for international humanitarian
horizon, experts highlighted the importance of carrying
workers has started in Cox’s Bazar. WHO and Health
the lockdown effectively (Dhaka tribune 01/05/2021).
Sector partners continue supporting the Government
of Bangladesh (GoB) in the preparation for the COVID-19
vaccination campaign for the Rohingya community,
scheduled to start in the coming weeks, pending the
revised arrival date of the allocation of vaccines from
the COVAX facility for Bangladesh (WHO 02/04/2021). As
of 25 April, a total of 79,918 people have received their first
dose of vaccination, while 42,236 received the second
dose (WHO 26/04/2021).
13 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesThe Trajectory of COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar
Figure 6. COVID-19 cases in Cox’s Bazar as of 31st March 2021 (Source: WHO 29/04/2021)
Refugee Camp Highlight Host Community Highlight
Confirmed COVID-19 Confirmed COVID-19
525 Cases 11 Deaths 7,448 Cases 84 Deaths
Raja Palong Satkania Bandarban
Sadar
Camp
1E
Camp Banshkhali
1W Lohagara
Kutupalong
Camp RC
Camp Ruma
4 2W
Camp Camp
Camp 3 2E
4 Thanchi
Extension Camp Camp
ia
Camp 6 7 Palong Khali
ubd
5
Kut
Pekua Lama
Camp Camp
Camp 17
20 8W Camp
Extension 8E
Camp
Camp 10 Chakaria
20 Camp Camp
18 9
Camp
19
Camp Bangladesh
11
Camp
Camp 12
13
khali
esh Alikadam
Mah
Camp Naikhongchhari
14
Nhilla Cox's Ramu
Camp Camp Bazar
15 25 Sadar
Camp
16
Camp
Bangladesh 24
Naf
Choukhali Camp River
26 Ukhia
Nayapara
RC Number of Cases
Myanmar
Camp
21
109 - 252
Number of Cases
0 - 10 253 - 668
11 - 21 Camp
27 669 - 861
22 - 38
Teknaf 862 - 3959
39 - 70 Teknaf
Number of Deaths Number of Deaths
1 2-3
3 Whykong 4-5 Bay of
Bengal
6 - 10
1 0.5 0 1 Km
11 - 51
10 5 0 10 Km
Jalia
Palong Camp
22
Camp Creation date: 13 May 2021
23 Data Sources: WHO COVID-19 Situation Report as of April 25, 2021
Projection: BUTM
Bay of The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official
Bengal Baharchhara
endorsement or acceptance by iMMAP
14 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesFigure 7. Bi-weekly positive case rate in the host and refugee communities (Source: WHO 28/4/2021)
Figure 8. Bi-weekly total persons in isolation and new cases in the host and refugee communities (Source:WHO
28/4/2021)
Host community Refugee community
1.389 160
1400
146
1.086
1.050 120
1050
117
1038 116
911 101
808
795
654 80
79
700 679
604
72
564 543
66
60 60
454
468 50
52
44
329 40
377
350
38
281 285
328
34
234
295
230
287 289 31
267
28 28 28
27
187 171
26 26
225 24
22
123
18
159 16
145 15 15
14
130 126
122 12
11
105 10 10
18 23 15 16 38
9
8 8
7 7
6 6 6
5
51 55 4 4
47
33
0
1
0
Jun wk 1-2
Jun wk 3-4
Jul wk 1-2
Jul wk 3-4
Aug wk 1-2
Aug wk 3-4
Sep wk 1-2
Sep wk 3-4
Oct wk 1-2
Oct wk 3-4
Nov wk 1-2
Nov wk 3-4
Dec wk 1-2
Dec wk 3-4
Jan wk 1-2
Jan wk 3-4
Feb wk 1-2
Feb wk 3-4
Mar wk 1-2
Mar wk 3-4
Apr wk 1-2
Apr wk 3-4
Jun wk 1-2
Jun wk 3-4
Jul wk 1-2
Jul wk 3-4
Aug wk 1-2
Aug wk 3-4
Sep wk 1-2
Sep wk 3-4
Oct wk 1-2
Oct wk 3-4
Nov wk 1-2
Nov wk 3-4
Dec wk 1-2
Dec wk 3-4
Jan wk 1-2
Jan wk 3-4
Feb wk 1-2
Feb wk 3-4
Mar wk 1-2
Mar wk 3-4
Apr wk 1-2
Apr wk 3-4
Total person in Isolation New cases (positive) Total person in Isolation New cases (positive)
15 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesCOVID-19 CONTAINMENT MEASURES
COVID-19 Containment Measures at the National Level and vehicles on the roads on a day-to-day basis during
the lockdown, and warned that the hopes of an improved
As COVID-19 cases continued to rise alarmingly since situation rely on the strict maintenance of lockdown
mid-March, the Government imposed a nationwide directives along with the public health measures being
lockdown initially for one week from 5 April, to reduce properly followed and implemented (UNB 23/04/2021).
the spread of the virus. This is in addition to the 18 set
directives effective from 29 March. In the first days of the Meanwhile, the government has decided on the closure
April lockdown, some shopkeepers and traders staged of schools and colleges to be extended with schools and
protests demanding the reopening of businesses, arguing colleges scheduled to reopen on 23 May. Universities
that they had suffered huge losses last year during the will resume academic activities on 24 May. Chittagong
lockdown. Other shops opened during the lockdown University (CU) postponed the admission test of the first-
breaching the government imposed restrictions (Dhaka year undergraduate courses due to COVID-19. The closure
tribune 05/04/2021, UNB 25/04/2021). On 14 April, the has been extended several times in the past year, most
government enforced an eight-day strict lockdown until recently this month, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
21 April (UNB 15/04/2021), which was extended until 28 (UNICEF 23/04/2021, Dhaka Tribune 15/04/2021).
April. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi police launched the
movement pass website and started taking applications Restrictions were placed and extended on international
for passes that will allow citizens to stay outside for up to passenger flight operations to and from Bangladesh. On
3 hours. Traders and shoppers will both need movement 26 April, the government sealed all Bangladesh-India
passes to commute to and from shops and malls during border closed following the grave situation in India and
the COVID-19 lockdown. Industries and factories are set to stop the contiguous Indian variant from spreading in
to remain open on the condition that they maintain health the country (GoB 28/04/2021, UNB 30/04/2021, Al Jazeera
protocols. The respective factories or industries must take 05/04/2021). The temperature screening continues to
measures to ferry their employees in their own vehicles. take place at most of the points of entry. Nationwide,
However, emergency service providers will not require there are thousands of people in isolation and being
the pass (Dhaka Tribune 15/04/2021). The Cabinet Division quarantined. As of 24 April, incoming passengers carrying
issued a notice on 23 April allowing shops and shopping PCR-based COVID-19 negative certificates, and either
malls to operate from April 25 (10am-5pm) on the condition already vaccinated with first dose or not yet vaccinated,
that they would maintain proper safety protocols (Dhaka will have to complete a mandatory three days institutional
Tribune 25/04/2021). The public health experts showed quarantine at government facilities (WHO 25/04/2021,
concern over the steady increase in the number of people, Dhaka Tribune 25/04/2021, IOM 01/04/2021)
Figure 9. Point of Entry analysis of COVID-19 at Bangladesh (Source: IOM 01/04/2021)
BANGLADESH Operational status PoE Timeline COVID-19 cases
Fully operational
Con�rmed COVID-19 cases
Partially operational Source of con�rmed COVID-19 cases: world
Timeline of con�rmed national COVID-19 cases (weekly change), status of PoEs and Health Organization (WHO)
Fully closed
country-level mobility restrictions
Unknown status
30,000 45
Number of con� rmed COVID-19 cases (weekly change)
20,000 30
20 23 23 23 23
Number of assessed PoEs
19 20 20 20 20
20 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
1 2 10
3 4 5 10 10 10
10,000 3 10 15
10 10
2
15
15 14 9 9 9 9
March 12 7 7 7
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
0 0
MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB
16 March
Closure of all
End of March 31 May 21 July 25 October 7 December
educational Government End of Facemasks A ‘no mask, no service’ Mandatory pre-
institution (or places districts general mandatory in policy is put in place in departure COVID-19
with severe holidays* public public-private offices tests for all entrants
29 January 2021
extended until 28
caseloads (red (on 4 December 2020 into the country who 7 February
zones) under extended to include are above 10 years old Launch of COVID-19
February 2021)
lockdown supermarkets) of age vaccina�on campaign
1 June 16 June 16 - 30 August 8 November
26 March Opening of the Benapole border
Government declares general Resumption of domestic Resumption of Normalization of
crossing point with India to travellers
holidays from 26 March to 4 commercial �ights (limited international passenger train
The border point was opened to
April 2020 (extended until 31 availability) and road �ights (limited movements and
commercial trade in July 2020
May 2020)* transport services availability) intercity trains
*General holidays include measures such as the closure of businesses and offices, educational institutions and a ban on all modes of transport
16 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesContainment Measures in Cox’s Bazar closed in the host community and inside the camps (WHO
28/04/2021).
In Cox’s Bazar, the national COVID-19 containment
measures are being adopted locally. In response to Humanitarian actors are continuing to help in the detection
the increase in the number of cases among the host of COVID-19 cases, provide COVID-19 hygiene education,
community, the Government of Bangladesh and the Office and refer patients with fever to local health facilities for
of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner medical treatment. A camp-wise dedicated Contact
(RCCC) in Cox’s Bazar have imposed movement restrictions Tracing (CT) network (34 supervisors and 311 volunteers) has
and other mitigation measures in district and camp areas. been embedded in the Rapid Investigation and Response
All tourist activities remain suspended in the district for Teams (RIRTs) for COVID-19. WHO is closely supporting
the upcoming weeks. To avoid the spread of COVID-19, contact tracing through the Camp Health and Disease
organizations are asked to maintain strict protocols such Surveillance Officers (CHDSO). In the Cox’s Bazar refugee
as physical distancing, hand washing, and the use of masks. camps, different points of entry (POE) have been functional
Education centers like schools and learning centers remain in different strategic locations (WHO 28/04/2021).
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR COVID-19
Information Sources and Gaps COVID-19 and its preventive measures (WHO 12/04/2021,
UNHCR 18/03/2021).
Information on awareness messages and household visits
are provided by the UNB. Communication channels and
means are extracted from two reports of WHO, UNHCR,
Information Challenges
UNCT. GURD, and Al Jazeera show the challenges.
Misinformation and rumors are still among some of the
most major challenges in combating the spread of the
In Cox’s Bazar various NGOs and INGOs are conducting
COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicate, most refugee
awareness campaigns (door-to-door) and providing
and host communities of Cox’s Bazar who had COVID-19
leaflets related to COVID-19 to circulate information
symptoms did not want to get tested for COVID-19 due to
on mitigation strategies to the families and spreading
misinformation and rumors about the virus: fear of being
awareness messages on health and hygiene to prevent the
isolated, stigmatized, and deported. Some people believe
spread of coronavirus. Organizations continue to support
that compared to other countries like the United States
the COVID-19 prevention campaign within the camps.
and Brazil, Bangladesh has not been hit hard by the virus,
Meanwhile, community corona protection committees
which has led to people underestimating its dangers. There
comprising members, including local leaders and influential
has been a noticeable change in behaviour towards the
and general people actively spread COVID-19 awareness
virus; when the virus first hit the country last year, people
messages. They also refer COVID-19 suspects to healthcare
emptied the shelves of the pharmacy and supermarkets to
centres, while arranging for tele-counseling services by
buy hand sanitizers, however, now, they often do not wash
expert medical professionals (UNB 07/04/2021).
their hands (GURD 01/04/2021, Al Jazeera 01/04/2021).
Information Channels and Means According to a recently published study conducted by
Overseas Development Institute (data collected between
UN agencies and NGOs are providing hotline services, and July and August 2020) about the experience of COVID-19
other channels such as radio broadcasting and videos among adolescents in Bangladesh, adolescents living in
to share information related to healthcare services urban areas have more precise knowledge of COVID-19
and key messages regarding the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their rural counterparts. Adolescents from
and its preventive measures among refugee and host both rural and urban areas have received misinformation
communities within Cox’s Bazar. They are also distributing about COVID-19 symptoms. It is worth mentioning that
COVID-19 leaflets and posters developed in Burmese and adolescents were mostly found to acquire their knowledge
Bengali languages to provide information concerning from their family and community.
17 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesCOVID-19 IMPACT AND HUMANITARIAN CONDITIONS
Since 05 April Bangladesh has been under lockdown monsoon season and the extension of re-introduced
imposed by the Government of Bangladesh, which lockdown.
continues to be extended due to a surge in COVID-19
cases. In compliance with the government’s decisions, • During April, the number of operational isolation faci-
the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) lities and functional beds decreased in comparison to
issued a directive further restricting activities to only the previous month, while an increase in bed occupan-
critical services and assistance. The following situational cy has been observed throughout April.
analysis report relies on the findings from the final Refugee
influx Emergency Vulnerability Assessment (REVA 4) to • Increase in the number of refugee children treated
analyse the potential impact of the ongoing lockdown on for SAM in the first quarter of 2021, in comparison to
the Rohingya and host community households in Cox’s the same period last year. For the host community in
Bazar, especially the impact on livelihoods and food Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazila, acute malnutrition rates
security. While data in the REVA 4 was collected from have decreased since 2019. GAM and SAM prevalence
7 November to 3 December, findings show the overall by WHZ were slightly higher in Ukhia. Global stunting
impact of containment measures and the lockdown on rates by HAZ were higher in Teknaf than in Ukhiya.
households, and therefore the findings remain relevant. The prevalence of severe stunting rates were similar
across both Upazilas.
Reconstruction is ongoing in the camps affected by the
massive fire which broke out in the Rohingya camps, • WASH-related services including repair and mainte-
in the Kutupalong mega camp on 22 March 2021, and nance were exempted from suspension by the latest
the subsequent smaller fire incidents in April. Some of RRRC directives. Solid waste management remains a
the affected people are still facing some challenges in challenge.
accessing services, and are struggling to deal with the
impact of the fire. The report utilises the latest Inter- • Fire incidents, including the most recent one on 12
Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) report, and recent April, continue to destroy shelter. Some refugee
assessments conducted in the affected areas; the Host households in the fire-affected camps are facing po-
Community Joint Needs Assessment and Rapid Host tential eviction by the landowners from the host com-
Community Housing, Land and Property Assessment. munity, which is likely to cause communal tensions.
As a result of the latest RRRC directives, it is expected Temporary shelters built in the affected camps have
that people affected by the fire are going to face some been damaged due to strong winds and rainstorms in
challenges in accessing services and reconstruction will April, shelter conditions are of concern for the refu-
likely be hampered. gees, especially ahead of the monsoon season.
• As of April, schools and other educational institutions
• The ongoing lockdown in Bangladesh, since the be- remain closed, with plans to reopen on 23 May. A fire
ginning of April, is likely to further impact both the re- on 12 April damaged another learning center, in addi-
fugee and host communities’ income-generating and tion to 207 learning centers damaged by the fire last
self-reliance activities. It is expected that, similarly to month.
the lockdown in 2020, the April lockdown would parti-
cularly impact day labourers. However, more refugee • Efforts to reunite unaccompanied children following
and host communities households are buying food on the 22 March are ongoing, however, the longer chil-
credit and spending savings, which is likely to reduce dren are separated, the less likely they are to be reu-
their ability to deal with future shocks, including on- nified. Those separated from their families are also at
going nationwide lockdowns and fires. risk of gender-based violence (GBV), child labour, and
trafficking. Women living in these temporary shelters
• Fires have caused a shortfall in some food commo- are vulnerable to protection risks. Relocations to Bha-
dities in the affected markets and a slight increase san Char Island continue, bringing the total population
in prices in nearby markets. More increases in food of the island to 18,750 people.
prices are expected with the upcoming festive and
18 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesLIVELIHOODS
Nine out of ten Rohingya households and six out of ten
Information sources, gaps, and challenges Bangladesh households reported adopting at least one
livelihood-based coping strategy in 2020. The most
The final report of the Refugee influx Vulnerability used strategies by the Rohingya refugees in 2020 are
Assessment (REVA 4) data collected from 7 November buying food on credit (55%) and spending savings (25%),
to 3 December was utilised to understand the impact of increasing by 15% and 6% respectively in 2020 compared
continuous lockdowns (including the lockdown in April) to the previous year. Findings also show that host
is likely to have on both populations, Rohingya and host communities are increasingly dependent on spending
communities, in terms of income levels and self-reliance savings and buying food on credit as coping strategies.
opportunities. Information about the nationwide lockdown These are considered as stress strategies, which reduces
during April and the impact on local businesses and the ability of households to deal with future shocks. Paying
industries are provided by a local media source; Dhaka these debts will remain a burden on households in the long
Tribune. Data on women’s labour participation and debt term (Dhaka Tribune 15/04/2021, REVA 4 15/04/2021, ODI
behaviour is provided by a women’s survey conducted 04/2021). In fact, the WFP market monitor for March 2021,
between November and December 2020 in Ukhia Upazila. anticipated that credit borrowing might reduce in the
Findings from the WFP’s Market Monitor (March 2021) were coming days, as more households become blacklisted as
published in mid-April and were utilised in the analysis. uncreditworthy, owing to earlier debts (WFP 19/04/2021).
This is an indication of the deteriorating financial situation
Income-generating and self-reliance activities were of both the host and refugee communities, as they depend
heavily impacted by the containment measures in primarily on buying food on credit as a livelihood-coping
2020, the ongoing lockdown in Bangladesh is likely to strategy.
further impact both the Rohingya and host
The host community has especially experienced an
communities livelihood opportunities
increase in credit dependency from 41% to 53%, this in line
Data from the latest REVA 4, show an overall decrease with the national trend, as the percentage of households
in household’s income for both the host and Rohingya taking a loan has doubled between February 2020 and
communities in comparison to pre-crisis levels. This March 2021 in Bangladesh (REVA 4 15/04/2021, Dhaka
income decrease along with increased food prices has Tribune 20/04/2021, BIGD and PPRC 20/04/2021). According
resulted in diminishing household’s purchasing power and to the REVA 4 findings, when households were asked how
their ability to meet basic needs, such as food and health. they would cope with an unforeseen future emergency
Whilst data for REVA 4 was collected at a time when the expense, close to half of Rohingya and host community
economy was on a path towards recovery, the residual households said they would seek to borrow from friends
impacts of the contraction on the economy continued or relatives, while 36% in the Rohingya community stated
to be felt, with many poor households still struggling to that they had no source of getting money - as opposed to
reintegrate into the economy (REVA 4 15/04/2021). 8% in the host communities (REVA 4 15/04/2021). These
findings indicate that both populations lack the capacity
Purchasing power in the camp is directly linked with the to cope with future emergencies, especially as savings
availability of cash in hand from different self-reliance deplete and debt increases.
activities, however, with these activities currently
restricted, the majority of households have very low Instances of selling non-food assistance following the
purchasing power (WFP 19/04/2021). The lockdown during fire that broke out on 22 March were reported
April is expected to continue to disrupt income-generating
activities of the host communities and self-reliance Despite the percentage of Rohingya households selling
activities of the Rohingya and subsequently impacting their non-food assistance decreased by 17% between
the household’s income and purchasing power, especially 2019 and 2020 (REVA 4 15/04/2021), according to the WFP
given the most recent Refugee Relief and Repatriation Market Monitor for March 2021, selling of non-food items
Commissioner (RRRC) directives which limit humanitarian among the affected people by the camp fires, particularly
activities to critical operations only. bamboo provided for rebuilding and utensils, continue
to be reported in the camps of Cox’s Bazar mainly driven
More refugee and host communities households are by the desire to buy food and clothes (WFP 19/04/2021).
buying food on credit and spending savings, likely to Selling non-food assistance is a crisis livelihood
reduce the household’s ability to deal with future coping mechanism, linked to direct reduction of future
shocks, including ongoing nationwide lockdowns productivity (REVA 4 15/04/2021).
19 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesFemale labour force participation is low, partially due include women’s age, education level, marital status,
to pre-existing barriers in accessing the labour gender of household head, and having children under 5
market. Women are often instead engaging in home- years old. Women in their 20s are likely to participate in
based activities or those perceived as non-essential, the labour force in both communities, as well as women
including unpaid care work resulting from COVID-19 in their 40s in the host communities, and in their 50s in
and its related measures the camps. Marriage was found to be a negative driver in
female labour force participation in both communities.
According to a survey conducted between November and In general, women are often engaged in limited to low-
December 2020 in Ukhiya Upazilla on women in the host return and home-based activities or those perceived as
and Rohingya communities, 35% of women in the Rohingya “non-essential” such as tailoring, rearing hens/ducks or
camps worry about “not getting a good job/nothing to gardening, with most of the women’s income coming from
do better in their life” every day compared to 17% in the remittances or help from relatives (REVA 4 15/04/2021).
host community (child protection Cox’s Bazar sub-sector Home-based activities which primarily fall on women
14/04/2021). This is consistent with data from the most have meant that the responsibility of the unpaid work
recent Refugee influx Emergency Assessment (REVA 4), resulting from COVID-19 and its related measures, including
where only 10% of Rohingya women participated in the care work has also fallen exclusively on women (CARE
labour force in 2020, host communities showed similar International 14/10/2020, Poverty Action 04/2020).
trends. Determinants of female labour force participation
Figure 10. Gender disaggregated labour force indicators (Source: REVA 4 15/04/2021)
Unemployment from overall population 3%
9%
10%
Host community
Employment from overall population 63%
Unemployment in LFP 24%
12%
Employment in LFP 76%
88%
Labour force participation (LFP) 13%
72%
Unemployment from overall population 6%
28%
Refugee community
Employment from overall population 4%
43%
Unemployment in LFP 59%
39%
Employment in LFP 41%
61%
Labour force participation (LFP) 10%
70%
0% 20%
Female Male 40% 60% 80% 100%
Female labour force participation in camps remained 31% of host community women and 47% of Rohingya
comparable to 2019 levels, indicating that women have women are in debt. Most women get their loans from
been facing barriers in accessing the labour market even relatives and neighbors, and took out these loan as per
before the pandemic (REVA 4 15/04/2021, child protection their husband‘s decision
Cox’s Bazar sub-sector 14/04/2021). The lack of livelihood
opportunities is reflected in the concerns of women in Thirty-one percent of host community women and 47%
covering basic needs. Sixty-one percent of Rohingya of Rohingya women said that they are currently in debt
women worry that “their family might not have enough from a loan that has to be repaid at some point. Women
money to pay for basic needs’’ with 35% of host community from both communities primarily get their loans from
women feeling the same every day (child protection Cox’s relatives, and neighbors (child protection Cox’s Bazar sub-
Bazar sub-sector 14/04/2021). sector 14/04/2021). This is consistent with findings from
the REVA 4 where more than half of refugees (both men
20 // 39 Better Data Better Decisions Better Outcomesand women) stated that they would borrow money from
friends or relatives for future emergency expenses (REVA FOOD SECURITY
4 15/04/2021). The majority of women refugees took out
loans to cover their own healthcare expenditure, followed Information sources, gaps, and challenges
by covering personal expenses. For women in the host
community, the majority take out loans or borrow money for The WFP’s Market Monitor provides a trend analysis of
personal expenses followed by covering medical expenses. food prices, focusing on the increase in rice prices since
However, data also shows that 64% of HC women and the second half of 2020. Findings from the Refugee influx
68% of RC women confirmed that they took this loan as Vulnerability Assessment (REVA 4) (data collected from
7 November to 3 December) are utilised in the analysis.
per their husband‘s decision (child protection Cox’s Bazar
The impact of camp fires on access to markets, food, and
sub-sector 14/04/2021).
the response efforts by the humanitarian organisations
is provided by WFP and the updated report by the Food
The April lockdown has led to the closure of most Security Sector. Community feedback on the impacts of
workplaces, particularly impacting day labourers, the fire and needs are found in the BBC Media Action report.
transport workers, and small businesses
The recent nationwide lockdown in April has led to the Rice prices stabilized in March 2021, but remain 60%
closure of most of the workplaces, as a result informal and higher than a year before
daily wage labourers who do not have a financial ability to
Rice prices continued to increase steadily from the second
cope with unemployment have been disproportionately
half of 2020 until the first two months of 2021 due to the
impacted. For example, according to a local media source,
drawdown in stock levels, a shortfall in production following
ready-made garment (RMG) workers on the second day of
severe flooding in June/July, low import volumes, and tight
strict lockdown highlighted difficulties getting to work.
supplies. While rice prices stabilised in March, it remained
They included transportation shortage, higher fares,
60% higher than a year before and is expected to remain
overcrowded transport, as well as frequent harassment
high until mid-2021 (WFP 19/04/2021).
at police check-posts as some of the challenges they
faced (Dhaka Tribune 15/04/2021).
Cereals including rice dominate the food expenditure
patterns of the Rohingya and host community households.
This has also been the case during the lockdowns
While refugees may be cushioned from the increase by
throughout 2020, where day labourers in the refugee
food assistance, for host community households, rice is
and host community in Cox’s Bazar faced the harshest
an out-of-pocket payment, and in the absence of universal
livelihoods losses and income losses whereas monthly
food assistance; they are more vulnerable to price increase
salaried workers and self-employed have relatively
and food insecurity (REVA 4 15/04/2021).
been more protected in terms of income losses (REVA
4 15/04/2021, Dhaka Tribune 18/04/2021, Dhaka Tribune
20/04/2021). Therefore, it is likely that daily labourers will Figure 11. Food expenditure as a proportion of
be heavily affected by the lockdown, if not mitigated, as household expenditure by affected group (Source: REVA
they constitute the majority of the working population 4 15/04/2021)
within the host community economy. 67 % 67 %
62 %
The shrimp export industry is one of the most
negatively impacted industries in the country as a
40 %
result of the COVID-19 related containment measures
27 % 27 %
Shrimp exports have come to a halt due to the 25 % 25 % 25 %
lockdown, impacting shrimp prices, and causing a rise in
unemployment. Shrimp cultivation and farming are one of 8% 7%
10 %
7%
the main sources of income in Cox’s Bazar. The countrywide 1% 1% 1%
April lockdown has also forced the supply chain system 75%
to come to a halt. If the situation continues, the shrimp Unregistered refugee Registered refugee
farmers will likely not be able to meet the demand at the All refugees Host community
beginning of the season, causing economic losses to the
industry and likely to result in further job losses (Dhaka Fires impacting camp markets and reducing market
Tribune 25/04/2021, ACAPS 10/2020). capacity and causing a shortfall in some food
commodities and a slight increase in prices in nearby
21 // 39
Better Data Better Decisions Better OutcomesYou can also read
