The MOAS Aid Stations at Shamlapur and Unchiprang care for children, women and men of all ages who come to us with a multitude of different conditions and experiences. Every month we will hear from some of the people who have attended the Aid Stations, as well as the MOAS team members who treated them.
Jahanara, a Rohingya refugee, came to the Unchiprang Aid Station with her young son.
“We’re from Bolipara, Myanmar, and we came here last September. The military attacked the village beside ours and we knew ours was next. We left our homes and started the journey towards Bangladesh. It was hectic and brutal; many elderly people and new-born babies died on the way.
“In the camp, we stay busy all day collecting water, firewood and food rations, among other things. The shelters we live in are very shabby and young children easily get sick. But at least here we are not afraid for our lives, like before.
“I have three children, the eldest is seven. I wish I could provide my children with good food and education.
Fatema, MOAS Senior Nurse, explains what is unique about the MOAS Aid Stations and how it feels to be part of the team.
“In the MOAS Aid Stations, we provide many types of care which are not provided elsewhere. So, patients come to our Aid Stations with hopes of being treated for conditions which are normally difficult to find treatment for.
“I’m happy to be a part of this humanitarian effort to reduce pain and suffering. As a nurse, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to care for those in need. The Rohingya people have suffered enough and are in desperate need of medical attention. I feel proud doing my part for these people.”
Shohag, MOAS Medical Assistant, shares his motivation for joining the team.
“I enjoy my work here at the Aid Station and I feel very happy caring for these people in need. When patients come for follow-up visits and I hear them say they are better because of our treatment, it makes me feel proud to be a part of the team.
“I believe that work is a choice. I made the decision to work here out of my will to serve people in need. When I saw people suffering, I immediately started looking for a chance to help and that’s how I came to work with MOAS. Now, I’m part of this amazing team and working for a greater cause.”
Shafika, twenty-six, came to Shamlapur Aid Station with her two-year-old daughter Fatima, who was suffering with a cough and a fever. Fatima had also been unable to eat and constantly vomiting.
“When the violence erupted, my husband was on a fishing boat. I grabbed my two children and whatever else I could, and ran. My husband got separated from us, but a week ago we were finally re-united. Before he crossed into Bangladesh, my husband went back to see where our house once stood, but he found only burnt wreckage.
Here in Shamlapur, we are living in a makeshift shelter. This is why my daughter keeps getting sick. But we are lucky that we can come to the Aid Station to get treatment and free medicine. The doctor checked Fatima very carefully and said I can bring her back, if her condition does not improve in the next two days.”
Doinnobi, a member of the local Chakma community, came to the Shamlapur Aid Station after she badly injured her hand.
“My name is Doinnobi and I am 55 years old. I come from Monkhali, near Shamlapur. There are six people in my family. I live with my husband, my son, my daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.”
“While working in the house, the thumbnail of my left hand was torn away and started bleeding. The following night it had become even more painful. Now, I’m here to get treatment. They have dressed my wound and gave me medicine. They advised me to come back in three days.”
“Most of us from the Chakma community are dependent on farming. We grow bananas and other crops. It is a hard life and we make our living through hard labour. Our women also work side-by-side with the men in the field. Even two years back, I used to go to the field to help my son, but now I’m old and can’t work in the sun anymore.”
“The happiest day of my life was when my first grandchild was born. Now, he’s 8 years old and goes to school. He has a little brother too. I wish my grandchildren will have the opportunity to have an education, and that they will be able to live their lives with honor and respect.”
If you are interested in supporting MOAS’ work, please give what you can at https://www.moasfundraising.com/campaigns/emergency-cyclone-and-monsoon-appeal-2018/ or consider becoming a fundraising activist on www.moasfundraising.com. You can listen to a podcast about our work in Bangladesh here, or read more about the ongoing medical emergency facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh here. Spread the word about our work by sharing our stories on social media and sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for regular updates.