By Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue
Chad is grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis as the conflict in neighboring Sudan continues to drive a massive influx of refugees into its eastern regions.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the country is now hosting more than 1.3 million Sudanese refugees, including over 900,000 recent arrivals. Most of those displaced are women and children, placing additional strain on already fragile health and protection systems.
The agency warns of critical gaps in access to sexual and reproductive health services. An estimated 41,000 pregnant women are among the refugees, with more than 55,000 births expected in the coming months. Chad already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
Risks of gender-based violence, early marriage and sexual exploitation have also increased, particularly in overcrowded camps and host communities.
To respond to the growing needs, UNFPA plans to scale up life-saving services, including the deployment of additional midwives, mobile health teams and the establishment of safe spaces for women and girls.
However, funding remains a major challenge. Of the $18.7 million required for 2026, only about 2.5 percent has been secured so far.
Humanitarian agencies warn that without urgent support, the situation could deteriorate further, leaving millions without access to essential care and protection.
