The changing dynamics of HIV/AIDS during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh a call for action

TL;DR

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened HIV/AIDS prevention and management among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, highlighting increased vulnerability, reduced access to care, and the need for urgent international action.

Contribution

This paper discusses the evolving challenges of HIV/AIDS in Rohingya refugee camps during COVID-19, emphasizing the compounded vulnerabilities and service disruptions.

Findings

Increased HIV vulnerability among Rohingya refugees.

Reduced access to testing and treatment services.

COVID-19 shifted priorities, worsening HIV outcomes.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has affected each and every country's health service and plunged refugees into the most desperate conditions. The plight of Rohingya refugees is among the harshest. It has severely affected their existing HIV/STI prevention and management services and further increased the risk of violence and onward HIV transmission within the camps. In this commentary, we discuss the context and the changing dynamics of HIV/AIDS during COVID-19 among the Rohingya refugee community in Bangladesh. What we currently observe is the worst crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps thus far. Firstly, because of being displaced, Rohingya refugees have increased vulnerability to HIV, as well as to STIs and other poor health outcomes. Secondly, for the same reason, they have inadequate access to HIV testing treatment and care. Not only because of their refugee status but also because of the poor capacity of the host country to provide services. Thirdly, a host of complex economic, socio-cultural and behavioural factors exacerbate their dire situation with access to HIV testing, treatment and care. And finally, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed priorities in all societies, including the refugee camps. In the context of the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, more emphasis is placed on COVID-19 rather than other health issues, which exacerbates the dire situation with HIV detection, management, and prevention among Rohingya refugees. Despite the common crisis experienced by most countries around the world, the international community has an obligation to work together to improve the life, livelihood, and health of those who are most vulnerable. Rohingya refugees are among them.