A second chance at healthcare: Transforming lives in Moheshkhali

Life in the island Upazilas of Bangladesh, such as Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar district, is a delicate balance of hardship and resilience. Surrounded by dense mangroves and rugged hills, the island is hard to reach, making access to essential services a daily challenge. For years, access to quality healthcare was a distant dream. But with the Health and Gender Support Project (HGSP), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, that dream is becoming a reality.

A Turning Point in Healthcare

Meet Habibullah, a betel leaf farmer, and his son, Abu Bakar. In November 2022, Abu was rushed to the Moheshkhali Upazila Health Complex (UzHC) with severe appendicitis pain. Just two months prior, they had visited the same hospital, but due to a lack of equipment and specialists, they were referred to the Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital. The daunting two-hour journey by road dissuaded them from proceeding with the surgery.

This time, however, things were different. The facility had been upgraded with a fully equipped operating room, a delivery room, and a neonatal care unit. This work was done by UNICEF under the HGSP. With a newly appointed surgeon and upgraded facilities, Abu was able to undergo the surgery he desperately needed. Within hours, the operation was complete—the first major surgery ever performed at the Moheshkhali Upazilla health complex. Five days later, Abu was discharged, fully recovered, without his family incurring any medical expenses or travel costs.

 Breaking Barriers, Transforming Lives

Abu’s case is one of many. Since 2020, the HGSP has transformed healthcare infrastructure and strengthened human resources across Cox’s Bazar district, making essential medical services accessible even to remote communities.

Families no longer have to endure grueling journeys for basic care and mothers can deliver their babies safely without fear of complications.

The HGSP concluded in December2024, but challenges such as understaffng, retention of health professionals, and weak waste management systems persist. To build on the successes of HGSP and address these continued challenges, the Government of Bangladesh has launched the Inclusive Services and Opportunities for Host Communities and Displaced Rohingya Population (ISO) Project.

Roadmap for the Future

The ISO Project aims to expand essential health, nutrition, and family planning services across Chattogram division, focusing on underserved island communities like Moheshkhali. By leveraging past investments, it aims to ensure long-term sustainability. But scaling these solutions will require continued investment in human resources, supply chains, and ensuring health facilities are equipped to meet the growing demand of the host and displaced Rohingya population.

Building a Healthier Tomorrow

For families like Abu’s in Moheshkhali, the transformation of their local health complex has been a beacon of hope. It shows that with strategic investments and strong partnerships, barriers to healthcare can be overcome. As Bangladesh looks ahead, projects like the ISO provide an opportunity to replicate this success in other remote areas, ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to quality care.

By continuing to invest in healthcare where it’s needed most, we can change countless lives. The journey has begun, and the path forward is clear—now is the time to scale, sustain, and strengthen these vital services for future generations.