Portland/Seattle – September 28, 2017–After a rapid appraisal of the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh where an estimated 480,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar in a month, Medical Teams International is responding to this urgent humanitarian crisis threatening thousands of lives.

Medical Teams intends to begin work in two areas of operation: Unchiprang and Kutupalong – two makeshift settlement and expansion areas. Because of the high risk of disease outbreaks given the crowding and very poor water and sanitation, Medical Teams will support immediate refugee healthcare with a package of direct health services and community based outbreak preparedness and control activities.

“By working alongside our key partners on the ground, we hope to ensure a comprehensive and multisector approach to meeting the urgent needs of the Rohingya refugees,” said Martha Newsome, Medical Teams International CEO, “We know the health needs are great and they all can’t be adequately met by governments or other humanitarian groups, so we believe we can have a significant impact on this ever-growing crisis.”

In addition, Medical Teams International will also serve as a vital link between the critically ill and their access to urgent medical care—helping refer patients who need extra care to nearby healthcare facilities.

Medical Teams International is urgently requesting donations now that will fund this effort. Donations can be made at www.medicalteams.org/Rohingya.

NOTE: If you would like to interview a representative of Medical Teams International about the response in Bangladesh, please contact Morrena Villanueva at (425) 898-2700 or [email protected] or Lee Keller at (206) 799-3805 or [email protected].