Chad fact file: Health, Poverty, Gender and more

A older man and older woman in a field working in Chad.

Poverty and Economic Challenges

According to the World Bank, in 2022, 44.8% of Chad's population lived below the national poverty line, up from 42.3% in 2018. This increase highlights the ongoing economic struggles within the country. Factors contributing to this include limited infrastructure, political instability, and a heavy reliance on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change.

Geography and Demographics

Chad is a landlocked nation in north-central Africa, bordered by Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. The World Fact Book has noted that as of 2022, it has a population of approximately 17.7 million people, with over 55% practicing Islam. The country's diverse geography ranges from deserts in the north to savannas and fertile lands in the south.

Health Indicators

According to Data Commons, life expectancy in Chad is notably low at 52.5 years, ranking it as one of the bottom five countries worldwide for life expectancy. The infant mortality rate stands at 66 per 1,000 live births. Maternal health is a significant concern, with a maternal mortality ratio of 1,140 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking it second highest globally. Limited access to quality healthcare services and infrastructure contributes to these alarming statistics.

Gender Inequality in Chad

According to UN Women, gender inequality in Chad remains a significant challenge, deeply rooted in cultural norms, economic hardships, and legal barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls. Women in Chad face severe discrimination in education, employment, and political representation, with only a small percentage of girls completing secondary school due to early marriage and societal expectations.

Child marriage is widespread, with nearly 70% of girls married before the age of 18, restricting their access to education and economic independence. Additionally, gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and female genital mutilation, remains prevalent, often going unpunished due to weak legal enforcement.

Women also have limited access to land ownership and financial resources, making economic empowerment difficult. While some efforts have been made to address these disparities, including government policies promoting gender equality, progress remains slow due to persistent patriarchal attitudes and lack of effective implementation.

Youthful Population

A significant portion of Chad's population is young, with a high age dependency ratio of 98.1% as of 2022. According to Data Commons, this indicates that nearly every working-age individual supports at least one dependent, placing substantial economic pressure on families and the nation's resources.

Educational Challenges

The adult literacy rate in Chad is among the lowest globally, at 27.3% as of 2022. According to the World Bank, There are significant gender disparities, with women and girls often having less access to educational opportunities due to cultural norms and economic barriers.

Security and Stability

Chad's peace is frequently threatened by conflicts and insecurity in neighbouring countries—however, some regions within the country experienced relative stability. The World Bank states that the government continues to address these security challenges to foster a safer environment for its citizens.

Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

French and Arabic are the official languages of Chad. The nation is home to over 200 ethnic and linguistic groups, resulting in a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.

Leprosy in Chad

According to the World Health Organization, in 2023 there were 362 new cases of leprosy recorded in Chad, while only 312 of those cases have been registered for treatment. Of these 362 cases, 61 had visible disability at the time of diagnosis (Grade 2 Disability) and 145 were women.

The country continues to face various health challenges, including neglected tropical diseases. Efforts to control and eliminate such diseases are ongoing, often with support from international health organizations.

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires comprehensive strategies focusing on economic development, healthcare improvements, educational access, and enhanced security measures. International partnerships and targeted interventions are crucial to support Chad's path toward a more stable and prosperous future.

The Leprosy Mission is proud to be contributing towards this work and supporting persons affected by leprosy and persons with disability in Chad.