Chad - Doctors Without Borders Appeal 2010

Years of low to medium intensity conflict between the national government and rebel groups in Chad have resulted in the large-scale displacement of civilians across the eastern part of the country already one of the bleakest locations on earth. The situation has been further stressed by the presence of an estimated 240 000 refugees from the conflict in neighbouring Darfur. Overall it is estimated that between 400 000 to 500 000 people - Sudanese refugees internally displaced Chadians and host communities - are facing a grave humanitarian situation in eastern Chad. Although the tempo of the conflicts in both Chad and Darfur have slowed over the past year continued high levels of insecurity and uncertainty have prevented affected populations from returning to their homes necessitating continued support from the international community. Canadian support of Doctors Without Borders in eastern Chad is helping it to address the emergency medical needs of conflict-affected populations through activities such as: emergency surgical operations; treatment and care of patients with acute infections or diseases; detection and treatment of severe acute malnutrition; management and disposal of medical waste; distribution of safe delivery kits; treatment for victims of rape and other forms of sexual and gender based violence (SGVB); and monitoring and awareness raising of violence and sexual and gender-based violence against the civilian population.