Supporting PMTCT Programs for Sudanese Refugees in Chad: A Collaborative Effort
Primary Topic: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in humanitarian settings, specifically focusing on support for sudanese refugees in Chad.
Primary Keyword: PMTCT Chad
Secondary keywords: HIV prevention, mother-to-child transmission, refugee health, humanitarian aid, UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, Zabout refugee camp, Chad, ARV access, HIV screening, Hepatitis prevention, Alima/Alerte Santé.
chad is receiving support from the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, alongside UN organizations including UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, and UNHCR, to bolster the national Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) program within the Sudanese refugee population. A recent mission to the Zabout refugee site in the Sila province aimed to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to vital services.
The Challenge: HIV/STI and Hepatitis Risks in Humanitarian Crises
Humanitarian crises, such as the influx of refugees from Sudan into Chad, create environments where the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as Hepatitis, increases. UNHCR reports that Chad currently hosts over 600,000 refugees,primarily from Sudan and the Central African Republic,placing a meaningful strain on existing healthcare infrastructure. Disrupted access to healthcare, increased vulnerability, and potential for sexual and gender-based violence all contribute to heightened transmission risks. Effective PMTCT programs are therefore crucial in these settings.
strengthening PMTCT Implementation in Zabout Refugee Camp
A joint mission, conducted on November 27, 2025, focused on supporting health and community workers in Zabout, a camp hosting Sudanese refugees. Dr. Nanangar sylvain, head of monitoring and evaluation of Chad’s national PMTCT program (PN-PTME), explained that the mission’s goal is to maximize access to HIV/STI and Hepatitis services for the affected population. This includes ensuring the availability of essential supplies like:
* Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs: Both for adults and pediatric use, crucial for treating HIV and preventing transmission.
* HIV and Hepatitis Screening Tests: Essential for early detection and diagnosis.
* Patient Files: Maintaining accurate records for effective patient management and program monitoring.
Capacity Building and Addressing Resource Gaps
The mission also prioritized capacity building for healthcare providers working in the camp. Dr. Ayambi Madi Évariste, a physician with the NGO Alima/Alerte Santé operating in Zabout, highlighted the value of the training in managing HIV/AIDS and its complications, providing therapeutic education to patients, and updating clinical protocols. Alima/Alerte santé is a humanitarian medical institution specializing in epidemic and pandemic responses. Dr. Évariste emphasized the significant material difficulties faced by the medical team and the reliance on the Ministry of Public Health and its partners to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis within the camp.
The Importance of PMTCT
PMTCT is a critical component of global HIV prevention efforts. According to WHO guidelines, effective PMTCT interventions can reduce mother-to-child transmission rates to below 5%. These interventions include:
* antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women living with HIV: This is the cornerstone of PMTCT.
* Safe delivery practices: Reducing the risk of transmission during childbirth.
* Infant prophylaxis: Providing ARV drugs to the newborn to prevent infection.
* Counseling and support: Educating mothers about HIV and how to prevent transmission.
Continued Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
The collaborative efforts between the Chadian government and UN agencies demonstrate a commitment to protecting the health of vulnerable refugee populations. Sustained support, including resource allocation, capacity building, and ongoing monitoring, will be essential to ensure the long-term success of the PMTCT program and reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis among Sudanese refugees in Chad. Further information on the humanitarian response in Chad can be found on the ReliefWeb website.