Why We Work in Chad
Although Chad joined the ranks of Africa’s oil-producing countries in 2013, little of its oil wealth has gone to improve the country’s economic and social outlook—especially for women and girls. Today, only 20% of births are attended by a skilled medical professional. Female literacy rates hover at 14%.
According to UNICEF, 68% of Chadian girls are married before the age of 18. With only 4.8% of women using contraception, many young women soon become pregnant after marriage—when their bodies may not be ready to handle a complicated labor. This—combined with poor access to maternal health care and emergency obstetric services—puts them at huge risk of developing obstetric fistula in childbirth.
An enormous backlog of untreated patients exists that far outpaces the country’s treatment capacity. Many of Chad’s healthcare facilities are underequipped, with poorly trained staff. Undoubtedly, this contributes to the number of women who require a second— and sometimes a third or fourth— attempt at fistula repair surgery.
What You Help Us Do
We are investing in the following areas to build Chad’s in-country medical services and provide life-transforming surgery to as many women as possible:
Meet Our Partners
We are currently partnering with Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA) to deliver fistula treatment to women in Chad. WAHA is one of Fistula Foundation’s most established and trusted partners.
We have worked with WAHA in Chad since 2011 to implement a successful fistula program in two strategic locations: N’Djamena in the western part of the country, and Abeche in the east.
The program specializes in complex and recurrent fistula cases, giving hope to women who would otherwise be considered “untreatable.”
Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA)
- Pending funding in FY 2019
- $150,600 in FY2018
- $164,600 in FY2017
- $175,700 in FY2016
- $231,500 in FY2014
- $338,000 in FY2013
- $150,900 in FY2012
- $111,300 in FY2011
