Eastern Chad’s Maternal Health Crisis: Malnutrition Threatens Pregnant Women and Babies Amid Growing Humanitarian Challenges
A growing humanitarian crisis in eastern Chad is putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at serious risk. Recent reports reveal that more than one in five pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in the border region of Adré are suffering from acute malnutrition, highlighting the devastating impact of conflict, displacement, poverty, and declining international aid.
The situation has become increasingly severe since the outbreak of war in neighbouring Sudan forced millions of people to flee their homes. Chad has become one of the main destinations for refugees, placing additional pressure on communities that were already struggling with limited healthcare services, food shortages, and economic hardship.
Humanitarian organisations warn that without urgent action, maternal and child health conditions could continue to deteriorate, reversing years of progress in reducing preventable deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
Rising Malnutrition Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Chad
According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), more than 20 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women examined in Adré during the first half of the year were diagnosed with moderate or severe acute malnutrition. This level is considered above the emergency threshold for humanitarian crises.
Malnutrition during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both mothers and children. Women who lack sufficient nutrition face higher risks of complications, including miscarriage, severe bleeding during childbirth, infections, and premature delivery. Babies born to malnourished mothers are also more likely to experience low birth weight, weakened immunity, and developmental problems.
The crisis is not limited to refugee populations. Many women from local host communities are also facing severe food insecurity. Reports indicate that around three quarters of malnourished women identified in Adré belong to host communities rather than refugee groups.
These communities often share limited resources with newly arrived refugees but may not qualify for certain humanitarian programmes designed specifically for registered displaced populations.
Sudan Conflict Increases Pressure on Eastern Chad
The war in Sudan has created one of the world’s largest displacement crises. Since fighting began, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, with many arriving through the eastern border town of Adré.
Many refugees arrive after experiencing violence, hunger, and trauma. However, their arrival often leads to increased pressure on already fragile local systems. Food supplies, medical facilities, clean water access, and employment opportunities are limited, affecting both displaced families and local residents.
Humanitarian experts have warned that growing tensions over scarce resources could increase instability in the region. The combination of displacement, poverty, and reduced international assistance has created a difficult environment where vulnerable women and children are among those suffering the most.
Léa Ledru, an MSF project coordinator in Adré, described the situation as a second crisis for refugees who arrive after surviving months of violence, only to find themselves in areas where healthcare and humanitarian support remain insufficient.
Child Malnutrition Cases Continue to Increase
The impact of the crisis is also visible among children. Health centres supported by MSF in Adré have reported a significant rise in admissions for child malnutrition.
Child malnutrition can cause long-term physical and cognitive damage if treatment is delayed. Young children require adequate nutrition during early development, and shortages of essential food supplies can increase the risk of disease and death.
Aid organisations are particularly concerned because treatment programmes for acute malnutrition depend heavily on international funding. With humanitarian budgets shrinking worldwide, organisations are warning that essential supplies may soon become unavailable.
Food assistance programmes in some areas are expected to face serious shortages, creating further challenges for families already struggling to survive.
Global Aid Cuts Affect Healthcare Progress
The humanitarian crisis in Chad is happening at a time when global aid funding is declining. International assistance has dropped significantly in recent years, affecting programmes that support maternal healthcare, nutrition, and emergency response.
Reduced funding has created difficulties for organisations working to provide essential services, including medical treatment, nutritional support, and reproductive healthcare.
Health experts warn that years of progress in reducing deaths during pregnancy and childbirth could be threatened if vulnerable countries lose access to necessary resources.
The impact is especially serious in parts of Africa, where healthcare systems often rely heavily on international partnerships and humanitarian funding.
Maternal Health Challenges Highlighted in New Documentary
The wider consequences of declining support for maternal healthcare are explored in the documentary “Hard Labour,” produced by journalist Bel Trew for Independent TV.
The documentary examines the challenges facing efforts to prevent mothers and babies from dying during childbirth, particularly in countries such as the Central African Republic and Nigeria. It highlights how conflict, weak healthcare infrastructure, and reduced aid funding are affecting progress in maternal and newborn health.
The issues shown in the documentary reflect a broader global concern. Many low-income countries continue to face shortages of trained healthcare workers, medical supplies, emergency services, and funding needed to protect mothers and children.
Importance of Supporting Mothers and Babies During Crises
Breastfeeding support and maternal healthcare remain essential parts of protecting women and children during humanitarian emergencies.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly highlighted the importance of breastfeeding because it provides significant health benefits for babies and mothers. However, maintaining breastfeeding support can become extremely difficult in conflict zones and areas affected by poverty.
Pregnant women and young mothers need access to nutritious food, healthcare services, safe delivery facilities, and emotional support. Without these resources, humanitarian crises can create long-lasting consequences for entire communities.
What Needs to Happen Next
Humanitarian organisations are calling for increased international support to address the growing needs in eastern Chad and other crisis-affected regions.
Immediate priorities include expanding nutrition programmes, improving healthcare access, supporting local communities, and ensuring that both refugees and host populations receive assistance.
Long-term solutions require investment in healthcare systems, conflict prevention, food security, and economic development. Protecting mothers and children is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also an important step toward building stronger communities.
Conclusion
The maternal malnutrition crisis in eastern Chad represents the human cost of conflict, displacement, and declining humanitarian assistance. Pregnant women and children remain among the most vulnerable groups, facing serious health risks as resources become increasingly limited.
Without urgent international action, progress made in improving maternal and child health could be reversed. Supporting healthcare systems, nutrition programmes, and vulnerable families is essential to preventing further suffering and protecting future generations.
Sources
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports on malnutrition and healthcare conditions in Adré, eastern Chad.
- World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on breastfeeding support and maternal and child health.
- International Crisis Group analysis on regional instability linked to the Sudan conflict.
- Independent TV documentary “Hard Labour” by Bel Trew, covering maternal health challenges in Africa.
Disclaimer
This article is written for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available reports and sources at the time of writing. It does not replace professional medical advice, humanitarian assessments, or official guidance from healthcare organisations. Facts and statistics related to humanitarian crises may change as new information becomes available.