The Chadian health system faces significant structural, logistical and human-resource challenges. Despite the efforts of the government and its partners, access to healthcare remains limited, particularly in rural, remote and crisis-affected areas.
To strengthen its health system and increase access to healthcare, Chad collaborates with partners, including the European Union, WHO, UNICEF, WFP and NGOs such as International Medical Corps and the International Rescue Committee. These partnerships are designed to enhance vaccination coverage, combat malnutrition, and promote mental health and reproductive health services.
Mahamat Ibrahim Mahamat is a refugee from Sudan, who is sheltering at the Dougui refugee camp in Chokoyane Health District, Ouaddai province, Chad. Mahamat was forced to leave Sudan due to the ongoing armed conflict. Faced with growing insecurity, recurring violence and worsening living conditions, he fled his home in search of safety.
A former teacher by training, he owned a shop that was completely looted during the conflict in Sudan. He lost all his savings and entered Chad alone with no family members by his side. Upon arriving, he was in a state of deep shock. It was then that members of the community in the camp referred him to the International Medical Corps-managed health facility in Dougui.
Mahamat arrived at the Dougui Health Center in a state of significant psychological distress. Haunted by the memories of his experiences in Sudan, he suffered from several depressive and anxiety conditions: insomnia, asthenia, anorexia, persistent sadness, social isolation, frequent crying, diffuse joint pain, loss of pleasure and fatigue.
“I can’t stop thinking, over and over again, about my stolen belongings and my shop… everything I lost, leaving my family behind,” Mahamat told the team when he arrived at the Dougui health facility.
Three months after his admission, Mahamat’s condition improved significantly. Over the course of his treatment, he received a combination of pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions, after which he showed a marked reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms. He regained his self-confidence, resumed participating in community activities and even began taking on odd jobs to support himself.
“Thank you to International Medical Corps for this invaluable help, as well as to all the medical staff for their commitment to treating refugees free of charge, until recovery and even beyond,” Mahamat says. “After my recovery, International Medical Corps contacted me to participate in daily activities, such as conducting surveys or providing translation services, which helps me today to support myself to this day.”
