The Government of Chad, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Bank, has launched a national emergency response plan to address immediate food needs for one million people across eight regions.
These regions are experiencing severe food shortages and peak hunger levels.
The plan includes food distribution, seed provision, and cash transfers to the most vulnerable households, along with nutritional supplements for children under two, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
The European Commission, Japan, and the United States are also backing this initiative.
Chad’s Minister of Health, Abdelmajid Abdelrahim Mohamed, emphasized the unprecedented food insecurity exacerbated by multiple crises, including a massive influx of refugees and insufficient agricultural production due to climate change.
He stated that this extensive response, funded by international partners, will allow the WFP to deliver essential aid to those in urgent need.
Chad is facing its fifth consecutive year of severe food insecurity, with 3.4 million people expected to struggle to meet their basic food needs during the dry season. This figure represents a 240% increase since 2020. Additionally, the country is witnessing alarming levels of malnutrition, with about 1.4 million cases of acute malnutrition reported among children under five.
The food and nutrition crisis is being worsened by a combination of factors, including conflict, high food prices, and climate-related events such as floods and droughts.
Acting WFP representative in Chad, Koffi Akakpo, stressed the need for a significant emergency response from all partners to address the immediate needs of those hardest hit by the crisis.
Akakpo also highlighted the importance of long-term investments in sustainable solutions to enhance food security, improve agricultural productivity, and build resilience against climate change.
The WFP is committed to supporting national programs that strengthen community resilience through social protection and investments in inclusive, resilient food systems.
