Dr Robin Youngs, Trustee of the Mandalay School for the Deaf (MSFD), recently joined forces with the Refugee Crisis Foundation (RCF) on a humanitarian mission to Bangladesh, where he witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in the Kutupalong Camp, the world’s largest refugee settlement. His visit focused on providing critical support to those suffering from hearing loss and ear disease, a widespread yet often overlooked issue in the camps.
During the trip, Dr Youngs played a key role in several initiatives designed to improve ear and hearing care among refugees and local healthcare providers.
- A specialised “Ear and Hearing Care” workshop was held for 35 primary care doctors working in Kutupalong Camp. Using World Health Organisation (WHO) training materials, the workshop focused on practical skills such as otoscopy, ear cleaning, and the use of ear drops, empowering frontline healthcare workers to diagnose and manage common ear conditions more effectively.
- Many children in the camp suffer from chronic ear infections and hearing impairments, impacting their education and quality of life. MSFD provided bone-conducting hearing devices to those identified as being most in need, offering a lifeline to better hearing and communication.
- Expanding the impact beyond the camps, Dr Youngs also participated in an ENT workshop in Dhaka, organised in collaboration with Professor Zahurul Huq of BSM Medical University. The event featured expert talks on sinus surgery, robotic cancer surgery, chronic otitis media, and endoscopic ear surgery, bringing together specialists to share knowledge and strengthen ear health services across Bangladesh.
Though the visit was short, it laid the groundwork for future collaboration. The team established key connections in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, ensuring that efforts to tackle ear disease and hearing impairment among refugees will continue to grow. With ongoing support and expertise, the mission aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of those struggling with hearing loss in some of the most challenging conditions.
If you would like to support our efforts and donate towards this cause, you can do so here.
You can find more images from the visit below:
