Between Nov. 20 and Dec. 5, MSF medical teams conducted three assessment missions in the most affected districts of the Bangladeshi coastal area: Bagerhat, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, and Pirojpur.

Based on the results of these assessments, MSF focused its emergency response on providing basic healthcare through mobile clinics in Pirojpur district (Mathbaria area), distributing essential relief items in Patuakhali district (Galachipa area), and improving access to water in all areas.

During the month of December, 7,000 people were treated in four mobile clinics, 75 per cent of whom were children under five, the most vulnerable group in such circumstances. The main pathologies were diarrhea (mainly due to the difficulty in accessing clean drinking water), respiratory infections (due to seasonal cold weather), and skin diseases. Most pathologies were not severe and only a few patients had to be referred to the Mathbaria hospital in Pirojpur district.

In addition to medical care, 5,500 children under five also received a blanket and one kilogram of soap. All patients suffering from diarrhea received one kilogram of soap and all patients received a one week supply of water purification tablets for five people.

Four thousand kits, including blankets, soap, buckets, clothes and kitchen sets, were distributed in less accessible areas of south Patuakhali district to a population of 20,000 people. In both districts, some sanitation facilities were repaired or new ones were built, allowing people better access to their usual sources of water. Sixty community latrines were also built.

Relief is now reaching most of the affected populations even in remote areas, albeit in an irregular fashion. Numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations are responding to midterm needs. The health situation has stabilized and no epidemic outbreak has been recorded. MSF therefore decided to end its emergency program. MSF will, however, continue to monitor the evolution of the health situation through its Dhaka office.