MSF treats rising number of landmine victims along Bangladesh-Myanmar border

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today said its hospital in Kutupalong has treated a growing number of patients injured by landmines along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border since January 2025.

A total of 32 patients were admitted with landmine-related injuries from 28 separate incidents.

MSF shared the information at a press briefing held in Cox's Bazar today.

The organisation also reported that the intensifying conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state has driven more than 130,000 additional Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh. As of October 23, 133,651 new arrivals have been biometrically registered, according to UNHCR.

Since August 2024, MSF teams have observed a sharp increase in war-wounded Rohingya fleeing Myanmar, many suffering from gunshot wounds and blast injuries. "Most of them were women, children, and the elderly," MSF said.

The organisation recorded 114 war-wounded patients in August 2024 alone -- the highest monthly figure, accounting for 60 percent of all conflict-related trauma cases treated by MSF between May 2024 and October 2025.

This surge coincided with intensified fighting in Rakhine between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar forces. Between August 2024 and now, MSF has treated over 700 newly displaced patients from Myanmar, including nearly 200 war-wounded individuals.

Among those speaking at the press briefing were Elko Brummelman, deputy country representative of MSF; François Haget, head of mission (OCP); Pooja Iyer, head of mission (OCB); Jasson Mills, head of mission (OCA); Dr Wasim Fairuz, deputy medical coordinator; Dr Rezwanur Rahman Masum, deputy medical coordinator; and Babar Sardar Nawaz, HR coordinator.

According to MSF, in 2024, the organization reached around 850,000 people in the Rohingya camps and host communities through health awareness activities. More than 500,000 patients received outpatient consultations, and over 100,000 were treated for respiratory infections.

MSF also provided treatment for over 83,000 scabies patients, offered non-communicable disease care to about 60,000 people, and delivered mental health support to around 46,000 individuals.

Additionally, around 27,000 people accessed family planning services through MSF facilities.

The organisation treated about 3,200 dengue patients and 2,600 survivors of violence. Currently, 2,362 hepatitis patients are receiving treatment under MSF's care, and 2,277 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have been provided with healthcare support.

With MSF's assistance, 2,003 local residents and 1,909 Rohingya women received support during childbirth.