Barriers to and solutions for implementing nutrition-related health programmes for Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar

The healthcare services for the Rohingya population rely heavily on external aid; however, the recent shifts in the funding landscape have created additional pressures. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) on barriers to implementing nutrition programmes and potential solutions to improve nutrition-related healthcare for Rohingya refugees.

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in 2025. Eleven key informant interviews were carried out with HCPs in the Rohingya refugee camp, Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a hybrid thematic approach combining both deductive and inductive methods.

HCPs reported several barriers: structural and operational limitations included safety concerns in the camps and funding shortages; sociocultural and behavioural barriers encompassed cultural norms, gender roles, and low health literacy; and programme implementation-related challenges involved uneven coverage, high staff turnover, and weak coordination. Suggested strategies to address these challenges included empowering communities through livelihood programmes and strengthening sustainable coordination mechanisms.

The fragile funding structures, contextual insecurities, and a lack of coordination can undermine the delivery of essential health and nutrition services. There is a need for initiatives that empower communities to become more self-reliant and on strengthening health systems to deliver nutrition services more effectively.