This was the warning from the United Nations (UN) reproductive health agency (UNFPA) on Tuesday, as a widening humanitarian emergency overwhelms already fragile health services.
The warning comes as Chad absorbs a major influx of refugees plus returnees fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan, intensifying pressure on health facilities across the east.
UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Andrew Saberton told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York that Chad is hosting more than 1.3 million refugees plus returnees, with women plus children forming the majority. Saberton said visits to camps plus health facilities in Abéché, Adré, plus Wadi Fira revealed clinics operating beyond capacity.
In Iridimi refugee camp, midwives reported managing up to 300 births per month with minimal equipment, limited medicines, plus almost no specialist support, Saberton said. Health workers also described emergency caesarean sections carried out without adequate pain relief. “No woman should have to endure that,” Saberton said.
UNFPA also raised alarm over mounting protection risks for women plus girls. Many women are travelling farther from camps to collect firewood, exposing women to harassment, assault, plus gender-based violence.
Despite constraints, Saberton highlighted women’s centres supported by UNFPA providing psychosocial support, vocational training, plus services for survivors of violence.
In Wadi Fira province, local authorities reported more than 333 000 refugees across roughly 81 000 households, with women plus children making up more than 75% of the population. UNFPA said arrivals from Sudan continue through multiple border entry points as insecurity persists.
Saberton warned that funding shortfalls are putting essential services at risk. UNFPA activities in Chad face a 44% funding reduction this year, while only 2.5% of the 2026 humanitarian appeal for Chad has been funded so far.
“The Government of Chad has shown extraordinary solidarity by keeping borders open and sharing already scarce resources with people fleeing violence,” Saberton said. “That solidarity must now be matched by international support.”
–ChannelAfrica–
