Outcome Assessment Report 2024 Rohingya Refugee Response, New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership, Bangladesh

The New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership project, implemented from January to July 2024 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, aimed to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities by delivering inclusive, equitable, and quality primary healthcare. Operating through two Health Posts in Camps 4 (Ukhiya) and 27 (Teknaf), the project strictly followed the Government of Bangladesh’s Minimum Package of Essential Health Services (MPEHS) and the Joint Response Plan’s strategic health objectives.

This seven-month intervention targeted 21,975 beneficiaries—including 11,207 children and 647 persons with disabilities—providing services such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), nutrition, and referral support. A skilled clinical team delivered direct services, while community health and mental health workers conducted outreach activities to promote key health practices, identify high-risk individuals, and refer them for specialized care. Emphasis was placed on marginalized groups, particularly children, adolescent girls and boys, women of reproductive age, and persons with disabilities.

To measure effectiveness, Save the Children’s MEAL team conducted an outcome assessment in July 2024. Results revealed that 93% of participants (female: 94%; male: 92%) were satisfied with the services received—exceeding the 80% target. Additionally, 95% (female: 95%; male: 94%) reported timely and safe access to services, outperforming the 70% target. These achievements are attributed to robust Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, a skilled workforce, and improved consultation quality, as evidenced by qualitative insights from Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews.

The assessment underscores the project’s success in addressing urgent health needs in humanitarian settings and highlights best practices for future health interventions in similar contexts.