Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Chad: A Call to Action
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Chad. Ongoing armed conflicts, internal displacement and refugee flows demand urgent attention to the mental health and psychosocial well-being of affected populations. As the conflict in neighbouring Sudan spilt over into Chad, the country witnessed a staggering flow of refugees. Chad shelters more than one million refugees. Their presence overwhelms existing resources and infrastructure, worsening an already fragile situation.
Chad is among the most impoverished nations in the world. Internal conflicts, mass migration, climate-related challenges and pervasive poverty have caused a severe mental health crisis. The country urgently needs mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services. But it struggles with obstacles, such as limited financial resources, a scarcity of qualified personnel and logistical constraints.
Urgent need
The scarcity of trained MHPSS professionals keeps adequate support from those in need. Insufficient investments in mental health services deprive many Chadians of essential care. This sets in motion a cycle of suffering and vulnerability. There is a lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health. It worsens the situation and hinders addressing psychological distress and trauma effectively.
There is an urgent need to prioritise mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian response efforts. To address the underlying causes of mental health issues, we must work with sustainable solutions. Also, the affected communities need accessible, culturally sensitive services.
To strengthen Chad's MHPSS infrastructure and ensure long-term support for those in need, it is essential to invest in training programmes, capacity-building initiatives and community-based interventions.
A better future for Chad
The international community is making efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Chad. In doing so, it is critical to recognise the integral role of mental health and psychosocial support. By prioritising mental health and investing in MHPSS services, we can empower individuals and communities to rebuild their lives amidst adversity and pave the way for a brighter, more hopeful future worldwide and in Chad.
Sign up as an MHPSS expert
Through the MHPSS Surge Mechanism, there have been 2 deployments to Chad so far. 2 experts helped coordinate the MHPSS interagency Technical Working Group. We are always looking for MHPSS experts to support humanitarian crises. We focus on experts with coordination experience and look for experts with specific knowledge on, for example, senior citizens, suicide prevention and substance use.
If you would like to know if your knowledge matches our vacancies, please contact us at mhpss@rvo.nl.
You may also register in our expert database. If you register for the pool of experts, the database will store your CV and contact details. After your registration, you will receive information on our deployments and training courses.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
