Episode: KPN 14-01-2026

UNHCR welcomes Italy’s contribution of EUR 1 million to support healthcare for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes a EUR 1 million contribu=on (equivalent to USD 1.2 million) from the Government of Italy to support life-saving healthcare services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The funding by Farnesina, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and its Directorate General for Migration Policies, will help UNHCR and partners sustain essen=al health services in the camps, including primary healthcare, emergency referrals, maternal and child health services, and disease preven=on, ensuring refugees’ continued to access cri=cal care in one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian seSngs. This contribution reflects Italy’s pledge to the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) to support the protection, empowerment of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and their peaceful coexistence with host communities.

“Italy’s generous support is vital to safeguarding the health and dignity of Rohingya refugees,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. “This contribution will help address urgent healthcare needs at a time when funding shorfalls are placing immense pressure on lifesaving services.”

“Italy has provided continuous financial support to international efforts to address the Rohingya humanitarian emergency,” said H.E. Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh. “Today, we are proud to contribute to critical lifesaving healthcare activities. We acknowledge the commendable work of UNHCR, as well as the commitment of Bangladesh in hosting displaced people and pursuing long term solutions to this protracted crisis.”

Now into its ninth year, the Rohingya refugee crisis is a protracted situation, with 1.17 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char remaining almost entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance, including access to healthcare. Without generous international assistance, hard-won gains in refugee healthcare risk being reversed—with serious consequences for lives, dignity and well-being. Italy’s contribution comes amid declining global humanitarian funding, which is forcing difficult prioritization and threatening essential services for vulnerable populations. Needs continue to rise as the conflict in Myanmar forces more people to flee. UNHCR calls for sustained support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh as host country, until conditions for a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar can be achieved.

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