Public Health of Indonesia
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): April - June

Healthcare in Crisis: Accessibility Challenges for Flood-Affected Rural Communities in Sunamganj District of Bangladesh

Sojib Bin Zaman (James Madison University)
Ariful Haque (Sajida Foundation)
A.S.M. Rabbane (Sajida Foundation)
Ishtiaq Mohiuddin (Sajida Foundation)
Zahida Fizza Kabir (Sajida Foundation)
Pronoy Saha (Sajida Foundation)
Sumaiya Khan Sezuti (Sajida Foundation)
Sadia Shabnam (Sajida Foundation)
Choudhury Md. Fahim Ragib (Sajida Foundation)
Tajwar Hoque (Sajida Foundation)
Asadur Rahman (Sajida Foundation)
Mohammad Sakhawat Hosen (Sajida Foundation)
Raihan Khan (James Madison University)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Climate change has intensified the frequency and impact of flash floods, endangering millions of lives through livelihood disruption, property damage, and a surge in waterborne diseases. In response to the devastating flash floods in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh, the Sajida Foundation, a nonprofit organization, implemented a post-flood rehabilitation program to address healthcare needs. Objective: This study aims to explore the challenges and lessons learned from the healthcare response provided during the rehabilitation program in Sunamganj. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of patient data collected from health camps conducted during the rehabilitation effort. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze healthcare service utilization, satisfaction, and disease patterns among the affected population. Results: The analysis revealed that 71% of patients seeking treatment were female, with the most prevalent diseases being diarrhea (32%), fever, cold, and cough (27%), generalized weakness (21%), hypertension (11%), and skin diseases (9%). Fever, cold, and cough were particularly common among children (7%), while the most vulnerable age group was 20–60 years (53%). Key challenges identified included shortages of healthcare services, medical supplies, and healthcare providers. Strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring adequate medical supplies, and fostering community resilience are critical to improving healthcare outcomes in flood-affected areas. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in healthcare accessibility during post-flood rehabilitation efforts. It emphasizes the need for a multi-sectoral and data-driven approach to emergency healthcare response and long-term rehabilitation. Lessons from this study can inform policy and programmatic strategies for future emergency response initiatives.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PHI

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Public Health of Indonesia is an International, peer-reviewed, and open access journal emphasizing on original research findings that are relevant for developing country perspectives including Indonesia. The journal considers publication of articles as original article, review article, short ...