Severe malaria patient in Rohingya camp recovers for timely treatment 

COX'S BAZAR, Aug 2: A 23-year-old Rohingya refugee has recovered from life-threatening severe malaria after receiving prompt diagnosis, rapid referral and coordinated treatment involving healthcare providers in the Rohingya camps and the government health system.

Moktar Ahmed, a resident of Block C4 in Camp 4 of the Ukhiya refugee camp, returned to Bangladesh on June 24 after spending nearly six months in captivity in Myanmar, where he was allegedly detained by the country's junta forces.

Two days after returning, he visited a relative at Camp 20 Extension. Shortly afterwards, he developed a high fever and severe weakness. As his condition rapidly worsened, he was taken to a Friendship health centre in the camp.

Medical staff suspected severe malaria and immediately alerted BRAC's malaria team. A rapid diagnostic test confirmed that he was infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous form of malaria.

Following the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) guidelines, he was immediately referred to Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex, where he received injectable artesunate, intravenous fluids, close monitoring and other supportive treatment.

Hospital officials said Moktar responded well to treatment. His fever subsided, his strength gradually returned and he was discharged in stable condition on July 1. He has since made a full recovery and resumed his normal daily activities with his family.

Health officials said the successful outcome was made possible by early diagnosis, timely referral, effective coordination among healthcare providers and adherence to national treatment protocols.

The case also highlights improvements in malaria management in the Rohingya camps following a three-day malaria case management and surveillance workshop organised by BRAC with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Cox's Bazar in May this year.

About 90 doctors from health facilities serving the camps received training on early diagnosis, prompt treatment, referral procedures and national malaria treatment guidelines.

Officials said that before the initiative, severe malaria patients from the camps were routinely referred to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital. To reduce delays, BRAC later coordinated with Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex to strengthen its capacity to manage severe malaria cases locally.

Ukhiya Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Ehsan Ullah Sikder said BRAC now coordinates the referral process, including patient identification, communication with the receiving hospital, transport support and follow-up.