Eastern Chad - Doctors without Borders Response 2011

(February 2011) Until recently eastern Chad neighbouring Darfur in Sudan was the site of a long running low-intensity conflict between the Chadian government and various rebel militias which at its peak affected hundreds of thousands of people. Although the conflict has now subsided the rate of return for displaced populations (now estimated at 170 500) has been slow and the region remains beset by general insecurity chronic natural disasters (drought flooding) and the continued presence of more than 319 000 refugees from Sudan and the Central African Republic taxing the limited resources of the already desolate terrain and necessitating an international humanitarian response to meet the basic needs of Chadians and refugees alike. CIDA's support to the Doctors without Borders operations in eastern Chad is helping to ensure access to basic quality medical care for displaced and other conflict-affected populations in one of the most remote and desolate regions in Africa. Doctors without Borders is supporting three hospitals and several more outlying health posts across eastern Chad providing access to emergency medical and nutrition support to an estimated two million people.