Context
The overall food and nutrition situation in Chad remains critical. The Government of Chad declared a state of food and nutritional emergency in February 2024, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The situation in Eastern Chad is particularly severe due to the continuous influx of Sudanese refugees.
The global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate increased from 8.6% in 2022 to 10.8% in 2024, exceeding the WHO emergency threshold. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) rose from 1.5% to 2.1% over the same period. National stunting prevalence also increased from 28% to 36.7%, surpassing the critical threshold of 30%.
Chad's under-five and infant mortality rates stand at 107 and 66 per 1,000 live births, respectively—higher than regional averages. Poor dietary diversity among children under five, with only 27.9% meeting the minimum dietary diversity, further compounds the issue. Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health problem, contributing to high morbidity and mortality among children.
In partnership with Nutrition International, UNICEF supported two national VAS campaigns in 2024. A new routine 'VAS at 6 months' approach was introduced, improving coverage and helping to address vitamin A deficiency among children.
Increased coverage of VAS in girls & boys under age 5
UNICEF Chad supported the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention (MoH) in identifying low-performing districts and addressing existing barriers. A gender-sensitive communication tool was developed to promote VAS and engage fathers and community leaders, including imams, priests, pastors, and traditional authorities. The tool challenges traditional gender roles and emphasizes the importance of fathers' involvement in childcare.
The first national VAS campaign in May 2024 reached 4,601,811 children (111.4% of the target), while the second campaign in November 2024 reached 4,563,201 children (106% of the target). The overachievement was due to outdated population data and the inclusion of non-target children, such as refugee children.
Nighttime catch-up VAS sessions were introduced to reach children whose parents were absent during the day due to market and harvest activities.
UNICEF Chad established strategic partnerships with Nutrition International and WHO to address funding gaps for VAS campaigns and develop a financing plan. Community mobilization efforts targeted fathers with messages on the importance of VAS, reaching 6,067,650 parents (3,548,435 women and 2,519,215 men). This increased the sustainability of VAS campaigns and strengthened local engagement.
The point difference between the two supplementation rounds increased from 6.9% in 2023 to 7.4% in 2024, indicating improved consistency in VAS coverage.
UNICEF Chad provided technical support for developing the gender-sensitive VAS promotional tool, with 17,200 copies distributed. Community leaders and social actors were engaged to increase awareness of the role of fathers in child health.
Collaboration with the NGO Alliance Sahélienne de Recherches Appliquées pour le Développement Durable (ASRADD) led to the establishment of 1,322 mother-to-mother support groups in Guéra province, which reached 6,097 children with VAS at six months.
Increased empowerment in VAS programming for women with children under age 5
Community awareness campaigns targeted gender norms and increased women's involvement in VAS decision-making. In collaboration with MoH, 17,800 community leaders were mobilized to promote gender equality and increase women's participation in childcare decisions.
Youth engagement activities focused on training 73 young people (49 girls and 24 boys) on female leadership and positive masculinity. These activities raised awareness about gender-based barriers and supported more equitable decision-making at the community level.
Community mobilization efforts included engaging fathers and male community leaders. UNICEF Chad distributed 17,800 copies of the gender-sensitive VAS communication tool to low-performing districts, promoting greater male involvement in childcare and health decisions.
UNICEF Chad will increase engagement with U-Reporters and youth groups to promote VAS outreach and delivery. Community radio and awareness campaigns will be used to increase visibility and participation.
Lessons learned
- Strategic partnerships were key to managing operational costs for VAS campaigns.
- Nighttime catch-up VAS supplementation helped reach children missed during the day.
- Timely procurement and distribution of nutritional supplies are essential for successful campaign execution.
- Community-based engagement improved acceptance and participation in VAS campaigns.
Key Challenges and mitigation measures
Challenges included refusal to participate in VAS campaigns, logistical difficulties in reaching nomadic populations and refugees, and shortages of transport for supplies and supervision.
Mitigation measures included intensified community sensitization, successful resolution of 90% of refusals through dialogue, and signing new agreements with transport companies to improve supply delivery.