Standing Beside Karail Fire Victims- a Humanitarian Response by Aalo Clinic
On 25 November 2025, a devastating fire broke out in the Boubazar block of Karail slum, rapidly engulfing thousands of densely packed homes. Within hours, over 3,000 households were destroyed, leaving poor families without shelter, possessions, or access to basic services. In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, immediate and coordinated health response became crucial.
Located only 300 meters from the burn affected area, the Karail Aalo Clinic supported by UNICEF with funding from SIDA and implemented by the PHD-led Consortium has fortunately been saved and kept fully functional and activated its emergency response system within 15 minutes of the fire incident. The AALO team conducted rapid assessments, prioritized affected pregnant women, children, elderly people, injured, and instantly mobilized essential medical supplies to support the affected community.
During the night of the incident, AALO staffs facilitated the safe evacuation of vulnerable individuals and provided temporary shelter inside the clinic for affected pregnant women and fire-affected staffs. Despite operating in close proximity to the disaster zone, the clinic continued to deliver uninterrupted essential health services, became a trusted point of care, coordination, and reassurance for the community.
On the immediate morning, 26th November, AALO team established a temporary Emergency Medical Camp at Boubazar Majar Goli, close to the epicenter of the fire, basing on the demand of the locals. With doctors, nurses, paramedics, and community health and nutrition workers (CHNWs) on site and in collaboration with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the camp provided first aid, wound care, tetanus vaccination, essential medicines, counseling, and timely referrals. In total, 251 fire-affected individuals-including women, children, disabled, elderly persons, and pregnant mothers received timely and life-saving medical support.
Beyond emergency treatment, AALO team ensured continuity of care through door-to-door outreach by Community Health and Nutrition Workers. Nutrition screening, infant and young child feeding counseling, breastfeeding support, and maternal health guidance were provided to affected families, helping to protect the health of the most vulnerable during a period of extreme hardship. One of the most powerful elements of this response was the dedication of Aalo Clinic’s frontline workforce. Six AALO staff members lost their homes and belongings in the fire. Despite personal loss, they continued to serve the community with professionalism and compassion- demonstrating extraordinary resilience and commitment.
Rapid action, uninterrupted service delivery of the Karail Aalo Clinic bears the testimony of how a structured primary health care model can be a lifeline during disasters.
