LOCATION: Kanem

SITUATION:

Chad is one of the rare countries where maternal mortality is continuing to increase. 2010 was also marked by a food crisis in the Sahel region.  There have been some significant improvements with regard to its relationship with Sudan and military hostilities in the east of the country.   Chad began 2010 in relative political stability. However, the health situation remains worrying.

SOLUTION:

In partnership with the local authorities, Doctors of the World supports 10 health facilities and the regional hospital in conjunction with the country's national 'Mother and Child health' policy. Doctors of the World provides surgical and psycho-social care to women suffering from fistulas, supports the maternity unit and operating theatre so emergency caesareans can be carried out.  We also provides support for the maternal and neonatal care health facilities. The project also raises awareness among villagers on mother and child health issues and trains traditional birth attendants.

In response to the food crisis which affected the Sahel area in 2010, Doctors of the World also supported treatment for conditions linked to acute malnutrition for children under five in 20 health facilities between May and October.

BENEFICIARIES: 68196

RESULTS:

60 women suffering from fistulas were operated on in 2010 and 11,505 people received information on maternal and neonatal health or on fistulas.

OUTLOOK:

Long term project.

Doctors of the World will be expanding to another 15 centres and increasing access to primary healthcare for children under five. At the hospital, Doctors of the World  continues to concentrate on training national surgical teams to provide quality care to patients.