Food Security Sector (FSS) partners in Bangladesh have helped jumpstart the production and distribution of over 2.8 million reusable masks throughout refugee settlements and host communities in the Cox’s Bazar district. This is a critical measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, safeguard livelihoods, fill supply chain gaps and mitigate the devastating economic fallout of the pandemic.

The FSS Livelihoods Working Group worked closely with government authorities in Cox’s Bazar to engage more than 2,480 tailors in both the refugee camps and the host community. This multi-partner initiative began in late March, and in targeted areas everyone over 5 years old received two masks along with guidelines on how to wear and care for them for maximum effectiveness.