Access to adequate health services is severely limited for the population of Chad. To make it worse, the occasional influx of war refugees from Sudan and other countries places even more pressure on the already weak infrastructure. We strengthen the provision of healthcare, support fistula survivors and supply emergency support.
Chad is one of the least-developed countries in the world (ranked 190th in the Human Development Index). It ranks 169th in terms of Gender Equality. Chad also struggles to cope with the influx of war refugees from Sudan.
Around half of the population has no access to basic health services. There is a lack of infrastructure, staff and medicines. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
The rudimentary health system receives very little government funding and is heavily dependent on international organisations. Moreover, many health services, where available, come at a cost that puts them beyond the reach of many people.
We have been engaged in eastern Chad since 2015, focusing in particular on strengthening local health systems. In recent years, we have greatly expanded our work to cover the population’s needs as effectively as possible and to have a more comprehensive impact.
In the Ouaddaï region of eastern Chad, access to health services is particularly limited for women. Many also face gender-based violence, including child marriage. We strengthen the local health system by building expertise and improving structures, while promoting the autonomy of girls and women.
In Chad, around a thousand women a year are left with fistulas following protracted and complicated childbirth. Our project supports fistula survivors with information, medical care and opportunities to generate income – enabling them to build new prospects for themselves.
As a result of the devastating war in Sudan, the population in our project region in eastern Chad has almost doubled. We provide emergency support and help lay the foundations for stronger health services that benefit both refugees and host communities.
Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet it remains a taboo. In Chad, many girls miss school during their periods, lack access to menstrual products and face stigma. Our project improves their prospects by providing information and menstrual products and creating a supportive environment.
Programme Manager, Chad
Programme Officer, Chad
Programm Coordinator, Chad
