icddr,b to launch study to track drug-resistant malaria in Rohingya camps

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) is launching the country's first surveillance study to detect drug-resistant malaria among Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox's Bazar.

The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and BRAC, will monitor malaria patients in selected camps and nearby health facilities to identify early signs of resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies, the most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, according to a press release.

The plan was discussed at a meeting convened by the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner yesterday (10 March) in Cox's Bazar with representatives from government agencies, research institutions and humanitarian organisations.

The camps, home to more than 1.18 million Rohingya across 33 settlements, lie near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, where health experts say strengthened surveillance is important to prevent the potential spread of drug-resistant malaria, said the press release.

Data from BRAC show confirmed malaria cases in the camps increased from seven in 2021 to 291 in 2025, highlighting the need for continued monitoring despite relatively low overall numbers.

"Bangladesh has made significant progress in controlling malaria, but continued vigilance is essential," said Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman.

"Strengthening surveillance in high-risk areas such as Cox's Bazar will help protect both refugee
and host communities and ensure that malaria treatments remain effective," he added.

The study, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is expected to begin enrolling participants in April, the release added.