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Strengthening Systems: Reaching Zero-Dose Children in Chad

Zero-Dose Children in ChadAccording to global location-based data from 2019, approximately 10.37% of children in Chad had not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP1), routine vaccines. This placed Chad among those with the highest rates of zero-dose children aged less than 12 months.

Zero-Dose Children in Chad

In 2021, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identified Chad as one of the top 20 countries where more than half of the world’s zero-dose children reside, with a 27% prevalence rate. In 2022, health data estimated that 188,500 children in Chad remained unvaccinated. The highest concentrations were found in the rural north, areas affected by conflict and within nomadic communities.

Around 80% of the population lives more than five kilometers from the nearest health facility, making access to routine vaccination especially difficult. Unqualified personnel and poor supervision during immunization efforts further widen this gap. These issues are compounded by ongoing challenges related to supply chain disruptions. The overall demand for routine immunization remains low and awareness-raising measures utilizing communication methods have not been effective.

Coordinated Responses and Interventions 

WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, developed the Reaching Every District (RED) strategy to support the activities and interventions. The plan consists of five operational components: planning and managing resources, engaging with communities, conducting supportive supervision, monitoring and using data for action and reaching all eligible populations.

Chad is a vast country with a low population density, which presents a significant challenge in delivering immunization services. To address this, partner organizations supplied 32 vehicles and 250 motorcycles to health centers, improving access to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Similarly, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Health allocated an immunization strategy tailored for major urban centers. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported the preparation of communication plans in seven provinces, including training 5,000 village chiefs and community health volunteers in the Lake region.

Furthermore, supported by Gavi, 235 new nurses and paramedics were recruited throughout regional hospitals in nine provinces to expand access to healthcare. WHO trained health workers in 40 districts and health teams in 28 districts. In 2021, the PEV Manager smartphone app was introduced to strengthen service delivery, enable feedback and improve supervision.

Despite various challenges, Gavi’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health enhanced funding by establishing a restructured project management unit. Disbursements were accelerated by implementing streamlined procedures and utilizing mobile money systems wherever feasible while maintaining strong financial accountability. Effective financial management was a key driver of these achievements.

Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform

A major barrier in Chad’s immunization efforts was the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure to preserve vaccines. This issue was addressed through the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP), a collaborative initiative designed and funded by Gavi. UNICEF manages procurement and logistics, WHO provides technical guidance and the Ministry of Public Health leads implementation. With support from partners, the Ministry of Health expanded cold chain capacity nationwide, achieving coverage of more than 90%.

As part of this effort, a health facility map was developed to identify regions with high population density and limited infrastructure, helping prioritize locations for solar-powered cold chain equipment. By 2022, 1,506 health care facilities previously identified as lacking sufficient cold chain coverage were distributed 1,527 units of cold chain equipment, including freezers, refrigerators, coolers, generators and solar panels. With an approximate 70% increase in cold chain coverage since 2017, these efforts significantly improved access, reaching around 96% by 2022.

Triple Vaccine Launch

Chad’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) marked a milestone by introducing three vital new malaria, pneumococcal and rotavirus diarrhea immunizations. Chad was one of the first countries to launch three essential vaccines simultaneously as part of its EPI. Chad took a comprehensive approach to roll out the new vaccines effectively. This included updating immunization policies, integrating vaccines into distribution plans and preparing detailed rollout strategies.

The country also trained health workers, strengthened cold chain infrastructure, engaged communities in raising awareness and established supervision and performance monitoring systems. Chad positioned itself as the 14th country to implement the malaria vaccine nationwide, aligning with the WHO’s goal of reducing malaria-related mortality by 90% by 2030.

Health experts estimate that the pneumococcal vaccine could prevent up to 5,000 deaths per year by safeguarding children from life-threatening bacterial diseases. Rotavirus caused more than 40% of pediatric diarrhea hospitalizations in Chad and contributed to infant mortality before its introduction. The rotavirus vaccine addresses this essential public health issue, advancing Chad’s national vaccination program to protect children from preventable and life-threatening diseases.

Between 2019 and 2022, coverage of the DTP1 dose increased from 89.63% to 98.84%. During the same period, completion of the full three-dose series (DTP3), a key indicator of immunization system performance, rose from 50% to 60%.

Conclusion

Chad is a compelling example of how effective collaboration and technical support through strong communication and coordination networks can drive meaningful change. These efforts significantly strengthened the Ministry of Health services at both national and local levels. As a result, many supervisors and health workers were revitalized and empowered to deliver more effective and responsive care to zero-dose children.

– Imge Tekniker

Imge is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Addressing Learning Poverty and Expanding Education in Chad

Education in ChadChad is committed to enhancing primary, secondary and tertiary education. However, 44.8% of its 20 million citizens live in poverty and 94% experience learning poverty. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, learning poverty—the inability to read age-appropriate text by age 10—contributes to low educational attainment. This widespread issue hinders individual progress, exacerbates the country’s human capital deficits and limits efforts to reduce poverty.

Education System in Chad

Chad’s education system consists of primary education (ages 6–11), lower secondary (ages 12–15), upper secondary (ages 16–18) and tertiary education, which includes trade schools, colleges and vocational schools. However, only about 3% of students complete the full program and just as few have access to tertiary education opportunities.

To address these challenges, Chad is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for primary and secondary students by 2030. With the support of local and international advocates, the country plans to increase government funding for education, improve teacher training, build more schools, prioritize education for girls and foster global partnerships to access additional resources and expertise.

Expanding Education Access in Chad

A standard vocational education program provides training for young adults who have completed formal education. Chad’s education system stands to benefit from such programs, but significant barriers remain. Nearly 49% of primary-aged children are out of school, with gender and socioeconomic status playing a major role in access to education. Additionally, Chad faced a deep educational crisis even before the COVID-19 pandemic and its current high rate of learning poverty requires immediate intervention rather than waiting for students to reach vocational training.

Chad is incorporating non-traditional programs into the education system to address these challenges. With support from various partners, Chad has developed initiatives that provide basic education to children and adults outside the formal system. These programs aim to close skill gaps, offer hands-on learning and accelerate job placement, helping to create more opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind.

Nonformal Education Centers

The National Education and Civic Promotion program provides nonformal education to support socioeconomic integration across Chad. These centers offer out-of-school youth training in literacy, numeracy and vocational skills in their native languages, equipping them with essential competencies for better opportunities. Remarkably, more than 700 out-of-school children have been “reintegrated into the formal education sector” through nonformal education programs.

Additionally, more than 10,000 out-of-school women have received vocational training, improving their financial stability. Furthermore, more than 42,000 individuals aged 15 and older without formal education have completed literacy programs, underscoring Chad’s commitment to reducing illiteracy and expanding educational opportunities.

This effort aligns with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) initiative, which awarded Chad a $50 million grant from 2018 to 2023 to address the country’s low literacy rates—where 60% of the population could not read. The grant aimed to expand educational access for both youth and adults while promoting social and gender equality. As a result, the Ministry of National Education and Civic Promotion introduced training programs that included nonformal basic education for adolescents aged 9 to 14, further strengthening Chad’s educational framework.

Other Projects Supporting Chad’s Education System

  1. Project Development Objective (PDOs): The PDOs initiative, established in Chad in 2019 by the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA), further reinforces Chad’s educational efforts. Its mission is to enhance the skills of Chadian children and young adults, equipping them with the knowledge and competencies needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities. The initiative has provided employment support and improved entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, with more than 10,000 young people enrolled in various programs. Additionally, the project has placed 3,000 youth, 44% of whom are girls, in jobs in N’Djamena and 20 other provinces.
  2. The Center of Professional and Technical Training (CFPT): The CFPT is crucial in bridging the gap between education and employment. CFPT aims to expand opportunities for young people by offering professional and technical training. Its initiatives focus on upgrading existing colleges, providing first-work experiences and facilitating apprenticeships and internships—all designed to improve the transition from school to the workforce. The project has trained more than 1,000 students, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce.
  3. Chad Improving Learning Outcomes Project: In 2022, the IDA awarded Chad a $150 million grant to improve learning outcomes in its basic education programs. This initiative aims to provide students equitable access to quality learning environments. It provides learning opportunities to both in-school and out-of-school students by creating expanded learning spaces, addressing overcrowded classrooms and ensuring more inclusive educational opportunities.

Reflecting on Chad’s Educational Mission

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics emphasizes that schooling does not necessarily equate to learning, highlighting the need for improved education quality. According to UNESCO, poor schooling can lead to higher dropout rates, reinforcing the urgency for reform. In response, Chad’s educational programs focus on enhancing teacher instruction and offering basic skill training to address these challenges in nonformal settings. By refining the Chadian education plan, there is hope that the country’s high rate of learning poverty will gradually decline, creating better opportunities for future generations.

– Pamela A. Fenton

Pamela is based in Wall Township, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Tackling Food Insecurity in Chad

Food Insecurity in ChadChad, a landlocked country in central Africa, faces some of the highest levels of food insecurity and starvation globally. Approximately 42% of its population lives below the poverty line. With a score of roughly 35 on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Chad has a severe hunger level. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted trade, driven up food prices and led to below-average market supplies, contributing significantly to the severe starvation in Chad. 

In addition to the extreme poverty faced by its residents, more than 600,000 refugees seeking shelter and security have entered Chad. Already hosting more than one million refugees, the country continues to grapple with widespread hunger and food insecurity despite the substantial refugee influx. However, several organizations are actively working to tackle food insecurity in Chad.

Action Against Hunger

This organization has already assisted more than 520,000 people, yet with a staggering 5.5 million people in need in Chad, many continue to struggle with food insecurity. While Action Against Hunger (AGA) provides food to vulnerable populations, the ready-made supplies are only a temporary solution. To address this issue more sustainably, AGA is teaching communities in Chad how to grow their own crops and manage limited rainfall to enhance local food production.

Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide has addressed food insecurity in Chad by implementing programs designed to enhance livelihoods. These initiatives provide participants the tools to achieve sustainable living, acquire new skills, improve crop yields and nutritional quality and generate income through small businesses.

Concern Worldwide’s efforts to build sustainable livelihoods in Chad have reached 62,000 people. The organization has also provided free health services, improved nutritional support and access to clean and safe drinking water to approximately 133,000 vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities.

Additionally, Concern Worldwide launched the Concerted and Inclusive Development in the Lake Province (DECILAC), a pioneering project supported by Facilité G5 Sahel. This project focuses on inclusively investing in food security, strengthening local value chains, enhancing education and mitigating food insecurity in the Lac province.

The World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to assist 2.5 million people across Chad, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and other vulnerable groups. Between June and August 2024, WFP aims to reach more than one million individuals with food, cash and nutritional advice. The organization also focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers facing food insecurity by providing malnutrition treatments and supporting school children with nutritious meals to help combat hunger and promote education.

Final Note

While hunger rates in Chad are high, the efforts of organizations like WFP and Concern Worldwide offer hope for a brighter future. With continued support and intervention, Chad can work toward overcoming these challenges, enabling its people to thrive within their communities and shift from merely surviving to truly living.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Using Renewable Energy in Chad to Combat Poverty 

Renewable Energy in ChadLocated in North Central Africa, Chad is an exceptionally diverse country, home to more than 200 ethnic groups and 100 different languages. However, with a cumulation of political instability and natural disasters, Chadians are suffering from rising food insecurity and poverty levels. In 2023, extreme poverty across the country was recorded at 35.4%. Energy is scarce and unreliable across Chad. Only 4% of the population has access to electricity. Currently, traditional wood fuel is the primary source of energy consumption across the country. Despite this, the country has optimistic targets to achieve nearly a 50% increase in electricity access by 2050.

The source of this increase derives substantially from the innovation and expansion into renewable energy. Utilizing Chad’s high levels of solar irradiation, The Djermaya Solar Project is paving the way for socio-economic prosperity that can combat the rising poverty levels. Here is information about renewable energy in Chad.

The Djermaya Solar Project

Initiated in 2015, the Djermaya Solar Project has two stages. Firstly, a 36 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Djermaya will be constructed, 30km north of N’Djamena, Chad’s capital. Following this, there will be a 24 MWp phase. This will gradually integrate renewable power into Chad’s national grid, according to InfraCo Africa.

Chad’s first renewable energy project is jointly developed by InfraCo Africa and Denham Capital, as well as supported by government agencies, including the African Development Bank Group (ADB).

The European Investment Bank (EBI) described the solar PV plant as a “pioneering project” that “will help liberalise the energy sector, and mobile private investment in Chad.” It is calculated that the cost of electricity will be less than half the current cost of power following the project.

Catalyzing Chad’s Socio-Economic Prosperity

The Djermaya Solar Project will significantly improve Chad’s socio-economic prosperity. Not only will the project provide lower cost energy, increasing accessibility across the country, but it will also create 250 jobs during construction, as well as 12 permanent positions during the operational phase.

Once online, the Djermaya solar project could power 60,000 households and reduce the overall cost of electricity generation. USAID’S Power Africa has guided tariff approaches, indicating that the Djermaya plant will produce electricity at a cost that is 40% less than existing sources. Overall, Chadians will have an increased access to cleaner, sustainable energy.

In the long term, this project will provide a sustainable and reliable source of energy for the Chadian electricity distribution network. Subsequently, this increases high-speed internet access and improves the transport routes used for business.

People across Chad have to use conventional energy resources, such as biomass and charcoal in order to cook, light their house and other economic activities. In particular, it is women and children who spend a lot of time sourcing the biomass materials, which increases their risks of harmful respiratory diseases. Therefore, this creation of renewable energy in Chad offers a new alternative to the old conventional way of energy production. Women and children could then dedicate this time to income-generating activities instead.

A Pathway Out of Poverty

Investment director at Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, Paromita Chatterjee, emphasizes that The Djermaya project is the key to “unlock the country’s economic potential and to fly the flag for more green energy projects”.

The Djermaya Project will help alleviate poverty, as well as foster universal economic activity across Chad. This is because the solar project provides lower cost power to the grid, in comparison to the current fossil fuel-fired generation. This is a fundamental step in achieving Chad Vision 2030’s target of becoming an emerging country. 

Resultantly, this will enable the government to reduce its current subsidies to the energy sector, and instead, focus its limited resources on other essential services, such as education and health. 

In addition, the Djermaya Project is a pioneer in liberalizing Chad’s energy sector, encouraging independent power producers. This mobilizes private investment across Chad, spurring sustainable economic prosperity. Alongside this, this is a crucial development into renewable energy within Chad, adding to the sustainable eradication of poverty. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, the Djermaya Solar Project yields a significant role in the alleviation of poverty across Chad, on both a small and large scale. Not only does Chad’s renewable energy project maintain its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, but, crucially, it offers a solution to the destitute poverty suffered by millions of Chadians. As development begins, this is an exciting and prosperous project for the long term socio-economic success of Chad.

– Sian Ameer-Beg

Sian is based in Durham, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Improving Chad’s Air Quality

Chad's Air QualityThe Republic of Chad, an independent nation in Central Africa, is landlocked by Niger, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Nigeria. With a population of approximately 17.7 million, according to the World Bank, Chad suffers from some of the world’s worst air quality. Several factors contribute to the country’s poor air conditions, significantly impacting children with respiratory infections. Nevertheless, Chad is implementing measures to enhance its air quality and improve the lives of its citizens.

Factors Contributing to Air Pollution in Chad

Air pollution is when the air is contaminated by particles, gas and chemicals that are harmful when breathed in and cause respiratory illnesses. Chad is one of the worst in the world because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it measured to be 17 times higher than the acceptable limit, making the country dangerous to breathe in. 

The factors contributing to Chad’s poor air pollution include indoor sources such as stoves but also uncontrolled waste burning, textile, oil, meatpacking industries and vehicle emissions.

The electricity in Chad is also generated from 90% fossil fuel, which is another cause of air pollution, as well as the Bodele Depression. Located south of the Sahara Desert in north-central Africa, it is one of the largest sources of airborne dust, which brings large dust clouds to the region.

Bad quality air affects everyone in Chad, but it is especially dangerous to those who live in urban cities such as N’Djamena, Chad’s capital. It affects those in poverty-stricken areas more often as they live closer to the factories and other pollution-causing sources and don’t have the means to protect themselves from the air. The most vulnerable groups affected by air pollution are the elderly, children and pregnant women.

Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality

Air pollution can not only lead to respiratory disease, but it can also cause strokes, lung cancer and heart disease. In the worst cases, it can even cause death. In 2017, an estimated 13,329 Chadians died with association from air pollution, with more than 7,000 of those deaths being young children with respiratory infections.

According to the State of Global Air, air pollution is the third-leading risk of death or disability in Chad as of 2017, trailing behind sanitation and malnutrition. Additionally, Chadians lose 2 years and 11 months in life expectancy at birth due to air pollution. 

Initiatives to Improve Air Quality

There are some initiatives in place to combat this rampant air pollution in Chad. According to a study by UNEP in 2015, it found that the government lacks policies in place to combat pollution. However, this is changing, as Chad is beginning to promote cleaner cooking fuel to reduce indoor air pollution and grid electrification.

The National Poverty Reduction Strategy is also working to make power generation more widespread and cost-efficient, reducing air pollution, as well as other methods of energy like solar and wind. With the United Nations’ support, it implemented waste management in refugee camps and communities such as Sila, Wadi Fira and Salamat, which granted 74% of households proper services. 

The Interactive Country Fiches also includes opportunities to implement new policies such as waste management to improve public health rather than burning it. Different factories and industries also require more regulation to better improve the health of all Chadians and beyond. 

Looking Ahead

Chad is on a promising path to significantly enhance air quality and public health through targeted environmental initiatives and cleaner energy solutions. By focusing on sustainable practices and improved regulatory frameworks, the nation aims to reduce the burden of air pollution on its most vulnerable citizens. Continued collaboration with international organizations and a commitment to innovative policies could be crucial for improving Chad’s air quality and securing a healthier future for all Chadians.

– Sabrina Betterly

Sabrina Betterly is based in Drums, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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USAID Programs in Chad

USAID Programs in ChadChad, “the fifth largest country in Africa,” is also “one of the world’s poorest countries.” Once a colony of the French Empire, Chad declared its independence in 1960, but troubles did not end there. Starting in 1966, Chad entered into a civil war that would prove to be one of Africa’s longest. Forward to the 21st century and political instability continues to manifest in rebel attacks and pre-election violence. Besides civil unrest, Chad has recently endured severe flooding in its Lac Province, where approximately 381,000 domestic refugees took shelter as of 2022. In 2024, an additional 54,000 people were displaced. Chad takes the most refugees per capita within the African continent, particularly those from Sudan due to ongoing conflict and economic factors further worsening Chad’s crises, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The country’s primary export is oil, but other financial sectors have seen minimal development and coupled with high levels of debt, its economy struggles to cope with the crises it faces. Chad currently ranks 190th on the Human Development Index (HDI) out of the 191 countries listed, according to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). As such, foreign aid is incremental to Chad’s development, and the rest of this article will demonstrate the role of the U.S. Agency for International Development, particularly USAID programs in Chad.

Reducing Poverty and Food Insecurity

According to the World Food Program (WFP), approximately 2.1 million people in Chad are acutely food insecure as of 2023, while 1.36 million of its children struggle with malnourishment and 42% of its population lives below the poverty line. The USAID recognizes this in its foreign aid commitments, seeking to address the immediate need for humanitarian aid. USAID’s 2022 Chad Assistance Overview highlights contributions of $54.9 million in funds for food assistance. This includes food vouchers, cash transfers for food, nutrition assistance and malnutrition treatments.

As of January 2024, Chad hosted more than 1.1 million refugees, of which 934,000 came from Sudan. USAID has supported the Chad Rapid Response Mechanism, supplying nearly 7,800 internally displaced people with hygiene and kitchen supplies and constructing nearly 70 emergency shelters for refugees, according to its 2024 Chad Assistance Overview. These commitments are but a symptom of USAID’s continued efforts to increase food and national security.

Success Stories in the Villages

Since 2008, USAID has partnered with Africare to provide villages with better-quality water and alleviate some of their hygiene and food security crises. Abdelmadjid Ali, member of Mourdaba’s water management committee and father of five notes that before USAID programs in Chad, there was no organization within the community to deal with water management, and as a result “villagers consumed dirty and unclean water and this exposed them to all kinds of diseases including diarrhea and cholera.” Since then, USAID helped construct 113 water wells, which now benefit nearly 35,000 people.

Another success story comes from USAID’s cultural efforts. Seeking to address the political instability that is the cause of so many of Chad’s other crises, USAID funds the Peace Through Development II program. The program supports radio shows that broadcast sensitive and educational topics through sketches and mini-dramas. In this way, USAID hopes to counter the extremism that has plagued Chad and contributed to its citizens’ poor living conditions. Besides this, the program provides community and creative expression to Chad’s impoverished populations.

Ending Note

The total emergency funding provided by USAID programs in Chad in the fiscal years 2022 to 2024 stands at $166,360,752, according to the 2024 Assistance Overview. This sum has contributed to some great success stories, including increased food security, refugee relief and aid and cleaner water sources. Chad, however, remains the 9th poorest country in the world, according to Global Finance, and its stretched resources, the ongoing refugee crisis and periodic flood devastation further worsen this situation. While USAID programs in Chad have made some good strides toward improving living conditions within the country, increased foreign aid continues to be an absolute necessity to address the continuing humanitarian crisis.

– Kayleigh O’Brien
Photo: Flickr

Lake Chad’s Water Supply: Scarcity and Solutions

Lake Chad's Water SupplyChad, or The Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in central-northern Africa. The nation is mostly flat terrain and it is made up of deserts and wetlands. The wetlands, and in particular, Lake Chad, are a great source of water for the country’s residents. Unfortunately, over the last few decades, Lake Chad’s water supply has been diminishing. Not only is the lake experiencing severe pollution, it is also drying up. This has led to a humanitarian crisis. 

Problems Rising

Lake Chad reaches across the majority of the southern region of Chad, and it also covers and supplies water to areas of people who live much farther north and also in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria. In January of 2023, the World Bank surmised that Lake Chad’s water supply supports, “an estimated 30 million people whose livelihoods are closely linked to agricultural, herding and fishing activities.”

These 30 million people are now being drastically affected by the extreme loss that natural disasters have produced. According to the United Nations in 2019, “The water body has diminished by 90% since the 1960s due to overuse” and drought. Since they can no longer find food or clean water, competition for these needs has created conflict in the region and the lack of water has also led to unsanitary conditions. 

Conditions Currently

The conditions of Lake Chad are not only hostile because of nature. Lack of water has an extreme effect on the human body and children can be among the most vulnerable. UNICEF’s “For Every Child” program shared that a lack of adequate water could cause extreme diarrhoeal disease and malabsorption phenomena, as well as extreme and chronic malnutrition. Additionally, in 2021, Down To Earth published an article explaining the way Chad’s residents have been forced to comply with extremist groups in the region due to their newfound desperation. Apparently, in previous years, residents were likely to migrate for fresh water and food sources when necessary. Now, they are blocked into certain areas by terrorist groups. They have no ability to find new resources, so they must find ways to sustain Lake Chad. 

Solutions to Scarcity

In response to the water scarcity Chad faces, they have taken steps toward being sustainable and resourceful. In 2018, Chad became the first African country to join The Water Convention, which is serviced by the United Nations. This showed promise that “Chad has confirmed its strong commitment to the sustainable management of transboundary waters through the principles and rules of international law.” This will hopefully guide the use of the water to be sanctioned with more cooperation, as opposed to conflict. 

Additionally, there are many towns making efforts of their own. The town of Bol, for example, has a community farm with water provided by The Agency of the Great Green Wall. They are also restoring the land in order to make the ground more fertile. Finally, “they have constructed underground cisterns and implemented drip irrigation systems, enabling them to grow crops even in the driest seasons.” 

Overall, it would seem that water management is a key component of addressing Lake Chad’s water supply.

These progressions are slow but meaningful. Given time and cooperation, the people who rely on Lake Chad for water, fishing and daily life may be able to achieve a solution to the water crisis they face. With the natural disasters, sustainable tactics will be vital for restoring Lake Chad. 

– Rachel Breeden
Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Hunger in Chad

Hunger in ChadThe landlocked nation of Chad, located in Central Africa, has continuously experienced challenges in addressing its ongoing poverty crisis. While many recent efforts by international programs have brought clean water and a steady supply of food to millions, hunger in Chad still affects many men, women and children there.

Conditions Causing Hunger in Chad

According to the World Food Program USA, 42% of Chad’s population is currently living below the poverty line. Additionally, the number of people that have been forcibly displaced in Chad has exceeded one million.

Chad also hosts more refugees than any other West or Central African nation, with more than 600,000 currently living in Chad. The influx of refugees across Chad’s border increased significantly after recent conflicts began in neighboring Sudan.

Extreme climate conditions have also caused more difficult growing seasons for agriculture throughout Chad, worsening the food crisis. A recent report by AP News stated that the Lake Chad Basin has become increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts, which directly impacts food security.

Malnutrition in Chad

Hundreds of thousands of children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in Chad in 2021. Nearly 300,000 children under the age of five were treated that year, with UNICEF reporting that this number is increasing annually.

45.4% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 currently suffer from anemia in Chad. According to the Global Nutrition Report, Chad is “off course” in addressing several malnutrition-related health issues, including childhood overweight, sodium intake and obesity.

Efforts to Improve Hunger in Chad

The Global Hunger Index (GHI), which attributes a hunger score for various countries based on their levels of undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality, has given Chad a score of 37.2. This places Chad in the “alarming” category and ranked 117th out of 121 countries that are reviewed by the GHI. However, Chad has seen a decline in its GHI score in the years since 2000, when their score was listed at 50.7.

Action Against Hunger, a global organization that works to end hunger around the world, began working in Chad in 1981. Last year, with a team of 264 employees, Action Against Hunger helped over 1.2 million people suffering from hunger in Chad. The organization’s efforts included increased access to water, hygiene and food security programs.

The World Food Program (WFP) USA also aims to assist millions of people in Chad this year. To address the rising number of refugees in the nation, WFP USA plans to provide food to 100,000 refugees and host communities. Additionally, the organization will work with communities to improve assets such as warehouses for crops and will expand nutrition assistance to an additional 16 regions considered high-risk in Chad.

Overall, there are still many challenges to addressing hunger in Chad. However, the resilience of those living in the nation and the commitment of numerous international organizations to provide funding and support toward improving conditions in Chad present hope for a better future for millions.

– Tristan Weisenbach
Photo: Flickr

Women’s Rights in Chad

Women's Rights in ChadFatime Ali Abakar is a 22-year-old living in Chad. She is one of many young women and girls learning about gender equality from the United Nations (U.N.). Through programs similar to the one that supports Fatime Ali Abakar, the U.N. Population Fund (UNEFPA) seeks to end gender-based violence by 2030. This includes child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal deaths, all of which are prevalent in Chad. The specter of child marriage is an open discussion in Fatime’s classes. As a result, the taboo is challenged and young girls are equipped with ‘evidence-based, girl-centered investments’ that deliver skills, information and services toward eliminating the issue. UNFPA-UNICEF programs have, between 2016 and 2019, helped 22,000 schools deliver targeted education, assisted 11 countries with rolling out ‘national action plans’ and reached 4.2 million individuals with ‘community dialogue.’

Outcomes for Women and Girls in Chad

Chad has the highest rates of child marriage in the world. 67% of girls in Chad were married before age 18 and 30% before age 15. As of 2013, the adolescent birth rate was 179.4 per 1,000 girls aged 15 years to 19 years. In 2018, 16.2% of women and girls (15 years to 49 years) were subject to physical and/or sexual violence and 34.1% of girls and women in the same age groups had undergone female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation or FGM is a widespread practice in Chad. Unfortunately, it is a practice that violates human rights, and is one that is carried out on infant and under-15-year-old girls. A nonprofit organization, 28 TOO MANY, works with communities in Chad with the highest number of cases. On the bright side, there has been some progress in alleviating the issue, with The Reproductive Health Law awaiting support from the office of the President. Efforts to reduce poverty have also yielded positive results. In addition, the in-work poverty rate dropped from 47 % in 2011 to 42 % in 2018. As of 2021, this figure stood at 41%. The figure continues to remain relatively high because women do not have access to dignified work. They engage in activities like procuring water, cooking meals and looking after husbands and children. Women rarely inherit properties, and they mostly depend on men for security and prosperity.

Ongoing Work

Various organizations work to help women and girls in their pursuit of security. CARE International, for example, seeks to provide economic justice to women through access to financial services. CARE International defines economic justice as the ‘right to economic resources’.

These resources target women entrepreneurs, who account for 31% to 38% of small to medium size enterprises in the global south. As a result of this program, 270,000 women in 11 countries have seen their average business earnings increase by 91%. The management of run-off water and the construction of weirs in Chad’s Sahel region is among ongoing efforts. The Sahel is a vast, semi-arid region in Africa. In times of low rainfall, the area becomes highly susceptible to famine. A weir is crucial in these circumstances, as it ensures effective water run-off and consistent water availability. Between 2012 and 2018, the project created 64 weirs. As a result, feed available for livestock has increased ‘significantly’ and grass now grows on arable land for ‘longer periods’. Millet yields have doubled and vegetable yields have risen 23%.

Looking Ahead

Through programs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, efforts are underway to address gender-based violence and improve outcomes for women and girls in Chad. These initiatives aim to tackle issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal deaths, providing girls with skills, information and services to challenge societal taboos and promote gender equality. Additionally, organizations like 28 TOO MANY and CARE International are working to combat practices like female genital mutilation and provide economic justice to women through access to financial services, contributing to positive changes in Chad.

– James Durbin
Photo: Flickr

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Learn About Poverty in Chad

Poverty in Chad
Located in Central Africa, the country of Chad is the fifth largest landlocked state and has a poverty rate of 42%. With a total population of approximately 15.5 million, a lack of modern medicine, dramatic weather changes and poor education have riddled the country with deadly diseases and resulted in severe poverty in Chad.

Poor Health Conditions in Chad Lead to Disease

The most common types of disease and the primary causes of death include malaria, respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS. Malaria, usually spread through mosquito bites, is a potentially fatal disease and is quite common in the country of Chad. Due to poor sanitation, Chadians are more susceptible to malaria; the most recently estimated number of cases was 500,000 per year.

Along with malaria, lower respiratory diseases contribute to Chad’s high mortality rate – the most common and deadliest of those being meningitis. Lower respiratory tract infections occur in the lungs and can sometimes affect the brain and spinal cord. A lack of available vaccinations in the country has increased susceptibility to meningitis. Meningitis is most deadly in those under the age of 20, and with a countrywide median age of 16.6 years old, Chad has seen a rise in total meningitis cases and overall deaths.

As of 2015, there were an estimated 210,000 Chadians living with HIV. According to UNAIDS, there were 12,000 AIDS-related deaths just last year, along with 14,000 new cases. Those living with HIV/AIDS are at a higher risk of death with their compromised immune systems. They are unable to fight off diseases and, with the preexisting severe risk of malaria and meningitis, they are more susceptible to death.

Harsh Weather and its Role in Food Insecurity and Disease

Due to its geography, Chad is one of the countries most severely affected by environmental challenges. Approximately 40% of Chadians live at or below the poverty line, with the majority relying heavily on agricultural production and fishing. The drastic change in rain patterns and the consequent frequency of droughts have placed a significant strain on their food supply. Fishing in particular has been sparse. Lake Chad, the country’s largest lake, has diminished by 90% in the past 50 years. The rising temperatures in Chad have caused a decrease in both crop yields and good pasture conditions, placing more strain on those who depend on Lake Chad for food and the nutrients it adds to farming.

In addition to affecting poverty in Chad, intense weather patterns have also increased the number of infectious diseases. The infrastructure of the country has not been able to keep up with the rapidly growing population in urban areas. This results in poor sanitation. The sanitation services are overwhelmed during floods, which contaminates the water supply.

Lack of Education Affects Poverty in Chad

Despite the relatively large population, less than half of school-aged children attend school. With attendance rates so low, the literacy rates in individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 fall; currently, they only reach 31%. According to UNICEF, attendance rates are astonishingly low; 8% for children in upper secondary school and 13% for lower secondary school. With education rates so low, income inequality, infant and maternal deaths and stunting in children continue to rise; as a result, the overall economic growth of the country declines.

Enrollment is low in Chad due to the lack of resources in schools. With the country in severe poverty, schools remain under-resourced, both in access and infrastructure. Some schools have no classrooms and no teaching materials. Furthermore, students often outnumber teachers 100:1. As a result, the quality of learning decreases, as does the overall attendance rate.

As of now, only 27% of primary-school-age children complete their schooling. According to UNESCO, if adults in low-income countries completed their secondary education, the global poverty rate would reduce by half. Even learning basic reading skills could spare approximately 171 million people from living in extreme poverty. Educated individuals are more likely to develop important skills and abilities needed to help them overcome poverty. Education also decreases an individual’s risk of vulnerability to disease, natural disasters and conflict.

Poverty in Chad is widespread, and the rate of impoverished people will continue to grow if it is not addressed. Poor health conditions and a lack of education are just a few of the many problems people face; while the living conditions may seem dire in Chad, a gradual decrease in overall poverty rates proves that there is hope.

– Jacey Reece
Photo: Flickr