This research was conducted in the four selected wards of the Rajapalong union of the Ukhiya sub-district
of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where host communities reside. These are typically rural areas and one of the
poorest communities in the country. The muddy roads and open fields are visible throughout the areas,
and people, mostly men, are seen working in the fields, marketplaces, and on the roads. Women are
primarily involved in caregiving roles and remain at home to look after children and the elderly. Being
Bangladeshis, they are integrated with the formal service delivery model of the Government of
Bangladesh (GoB) (2), which includes health care provision primarily by the government-owned facilities,
allowances of different social safety-net programs for the persons with disabilities, elderly, widows,
deserted, and destitute women (5). Additionally, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are
complementing these services.
The host community live near the Rohingya camps and frequently shares market spaces, roads, and
livelihood opportunities with camp residents (1). They were already struggling economically and socially
due to the influx of Rohingyas, and the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated their pre-existing vulnerabilities
(6), with varying effects on their overall well-being, especially on the MVGs.
IDRC | CRDI