At MakeDeathsCount (MDC), we're committed to ensuring that every life counts, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. With this commitment at heart, we are delighted to announce our latest partnership with the Rohingya Aid & Empowerment Network (RAEN), a leading organization dedicated to empowering Rohingya communities through targeted health initiatives and advocacy.
Understanding the Rohingya Crisis
The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority who have faced severe persecution, discrimination, and violence in their homeland of Myanmar. This has resulted in one of the most significant humanitarian crises of our time, with hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh to seek safety. Despite international aid efforts, the Rohingya refugees continue to endure significant hardships, including limited access to healthcare, overcrowded living conditions, and insufficient infrastructure.
Addressing the Healthcare Challenge through Data
Accurate and reliable mortality data is critical for understanding the health needs of any population, yet such data remains insufficient among the Rohingya refugees. The lack of systematic recording and analysis of causes of death severely hampers efforts to effectively address health concerns and allocate resources appropriately.
To bridge this critical gap, MDC and RAEN are launching a pilot project using community-based surveys combined with cutting-edge generative AI technology. This innovative approach will systematically capture and analyze mortality data in three strategically chosen refugee camps in Bangladesh: Camps 9, 11, and 14. These camps were selected due to their central locations and high population densities, making them ideal for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
How the Initiative Works
Our collaborative approach involves extensive capacity-building at the community level. RAEN supervisors and local community health workers (CHWs) have already embarked on comprehensive training to prepare them for rigorous data collection. Training covers a range of essential topics, including ethical considerations, identification of death cases, effective interviewing techniques, quality control procedures, and the use of advanced AI tools for data analysis.
Community-based surveys will be conducted by trained CHWs who understand the cultural context and language, ensuring the collection of high-quality data. Generative AI will then be utilized to analyze the collected data systematically, accurately identifying the primary causes of death, and generating actionable insights.
Impact and Long-term Goals
This pilot project's ultimate goal is not merely to record mortality but to use this critical information to drive tangible improvements in healthcare delivery. By identifying specific disease burdens and mortality patterns, MDC and RAEN will advocate effectively for targeted interventions, improved resource allocation, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure within the Rohingya refugee camps.
The initiative will also provide valuable skills and training to local health workers, ensuring sustainability and community ownership of the mortality surveillance system beyond the project's lifespan.
Next Steps and How You Can Stay Informed
We are excited to continue sharing updates, impactful stories from the field, and insights from the data as the project unfolds. This project represents more than just numbers—it's about bringing dignity and visibility to every individual life within the Rohingya community.
Stay connected with MDC for regular updates, visuals, and success stories from this innovative partnership. Together, we can ensure every death counts, informing meaningful change and enhancing the quality of life for one of the world's most vulnerable populations.
For more information about our partner, RAEN, visit their website at https://rohingyanetwork.org/.
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