A new life, and new hope, at expanded health centre

Above: Nasima* holds her newborn baby at the health centre. Photo: Tanjida Bashanti, Save the Children Bangladesh

In the heart of Camp 15 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, a sprawling refugee settlement, home to thousands of Rohingya people, Nasima's* journey to motherhood began amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and fear. This refugee camp, known as the largest of its kind in the world, is where personal struggles often blend into the collective noise of survival.

Nasima, a mother of two expecting her third, had always relied on the local health post run by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for her prenatal care until she learned it had shut down due to a lack of funds. The closure was more than an inconvenience; it was a blow to her sense of security as her due date approached. With the health post gone, fear took its place, leaving Nasima and many other women wondering where they could seek medical help during birth.

On the recommendation of the Health Sector, Save the Children decided to convert its health post in the camp to a Primary Health Care Center (PHCC), expanding both services and operating hours.

On the day that Nasima went into labour, her fear intensified, with no health centre open to support her. But then, hope arrived unexpectedly; a Traditional Birth Attendant from Save the Children who happened to be Nasima's neighbour, offered to help. Despite the Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) being not yet officially open, they could make an exception for Nasima.

"I was terrified about where I would go when the labour pains started. But coming here, through the birth attendant, they took care of me and delivered my baby safely," Nasima said.

The PHCC, which had evolved from the health post, has now emerged as a comprehensive care facility, capable of supporting women to give birth safely.

On the day Nasima's baby arrived, the PHCC was alive with activity, undergoing its first real test. Initially an essential health outpost with limited services, it has become a vital resource for the camp's inhabitants and offers everything from treatment for disease and injuries to specialised maternity care. The centre now operates 24/7, offering round-the-clock care to over 57,000 people in the camp.

The birth of Nasima's baby was a triumph for her and the entire PHCC team.

"It was a normal delivery. Our maternity team was incredibly inspired to achieve this on our first day of operation," one of the doctors said, capturing the collective pride and joy of the moment.

This event wasn't just about the arrival of a new life; it symbolised the dawn of a new era in healthcare for the residents of Camp 15.

The opening of the PHCC was celebrated and praised by the Camp in Charge (CiC), Daud Hossain Chowdhury.

"The PHCC in Camp 21 is exceptionally well-maintained,” he said. “I hope that this centre will surpass the PHCC in Camp 21 in terms of quality service."

Holding her newborn, Nasima's tears of joy reflected a profound sense of hope and resilience against the backdrop of crisis. The successful delivery on the PHCC's opening day promises a bright future for not only this baby, but for all the camps’ residents who can now access comprehensive, accessible healthcare.  

Save the Children’s work in the healthcare sector in Camp 15, including the PHCC, is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

*Names changed  

Story by Mahadi Hasan, Save the Children Bangladesh