Improving Health of Nomadic Populations in Chad

To reduce mortality and morbidity in Chad, Swiss TPH, together with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Centre de Support en Santé Internationale (CSSI) is currently implementing the Projet d'appui aux districts sanitaires du Tchad (PADS) in the districts of Yao and Danamadji. Since 2014, the project combines prevention activities, capacity building, operational research and health financing to improve access to quality health services especially for the most vulnerable groups including mothers, children and nomadic (or pastoralist) populations.

Most recently, the project team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, conducted a joint human and animal health campaign for mobile pastoralists. Such joint campaigns in the spirit of a "one health" approach - thus looking both at animal and human health - are appreciated by the nomad populations who depend very much on their livestock. Sharing logistical and transport cost of veterinary and medical services also helps reduce costs, making mixed campaigns more efficient.

During three consecutive vaccination rounds, over 2'300 women were vaccinated the first, second or third time against Tetanus. 6'500 children were vaccinated first, second or third time against typical childhood diseases such as polio and measles and received anti-parasitic medicines and vitamin A. More than 700 insecticide-treated nets were distributed and over 400 pregnant women received antenatal care. In addition, nearly 20'000 cattle were vaccinated against pasteurellosis. "Integrating a communications approach in these vaccination campaigns has been crucial," said Boukari Ouédraogo, Swiss TPH. "Nomadic populations in our targeted regions are now more aware of existing health services and how they can access them."

To further improve access to quality health services, the project will build and renovate health facilities, procure equipment and medicines, and train health workers. In terms of governance, the project will support planning and financial management and enhance the health information system. The team will also organise additional communication campaigns to spur demand for health services.

The PADS project is funded by SDC and implemented by Swiss TPH and CSSI in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Chad.