BN Report, Cox’s Bazar
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation and in partnership with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), successfully concluded two health camps for informal plastic waste workers in Cox’s Bazar Municipality today.
Organized under the Plastics Circularity Project, the initiative provided basic essential healthcare services to more than 100 waste workers in two locations. The camps targeted an informal group that provides a critical service in maintaining the local environment, but often lacks access to formal medical services.
The campaign offered free medical checkups, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, general health consultations, and the distribution of essential medicines. Recognizing the specific needs of women in the sector, the camps also provided private consultations on reproductive and menstrual health. Additionally, women participants received “dignity kits” containing women’s personal hygiene and safety supplies.
Upon visiting the medical camp, the administrator of the municipality, Md. Shamim Al Imran said, “Our waste workers keep this city clean every single day, yet they remain highly vulnerable to occupational illnesses, including skin diseases, with little access to basic healthcare. Today, funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation, implemented by UNDP Bangladesh, we are providing free primary healthcare to plastic workers in Cox’s Bazar Municipality across two camps. Going forward, we will build a health database and issue personal health insurance to the project’s registered plastic waste workers so they can remain under continuous medical care.”
The program also focused on awareness, teaching workers how to mitigate occupational hazards through better safety practices.
The Plastics Circularity Project continues to work in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Tangail districts toward an inclusive system that integrates informal plastic waste workers into the circular economy while ensuring their rights, health, and safety are protected.
