More than 110,000 Rohingya refugee children and adolescents living in the camps of Cox's Bazar have received their first jab of Covid-19 vaccines.
The vaccination campaign is a part of the National Vaccination Plan from the government of Bangladesh with the support of UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF and other humanitarian partners.
Johannes Van Der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh is one of the first countries worldwide to vaccinate refugee children and adolescents.
“This milestone is the result of an exemplary policy from the Bangladesh government to include refugees in the vaccination plans, and the highly commendable efforts of health officials, humanitarian partners and Rohingya volunteers who have made the inoculation possible and timely," he added.
According to a UNHCR press release, more than half of the one million Rohingya refugees living in the camps in Bangladesh are children.
Including them in the national vaccination drive is a key to keeping everyone safe, the release said.
Almost 100% of the targeted population between 12 and 17 years of age were vaccinated in a week.
"We are thankful to Bangladesh for vaccinating us. It was a little pinch, but it will mean so much for our health. We feel safer after the shot," said Abul Jamil, 15, a refugee boy living in the camps.
Overall, almost 0.5 million Rohingya refugees have now received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, reflecting 90% coverage of the eligible target age groups (12-17, and above 18).
The second round of vaccinations for children and adolescents aged 12 years and older will take place after the Eid holidays, pending confirmation by the government of Bangladesh.