Nearly 190 medical students in Chad, trained by the ministry with the support of the WHO, are supporting Chad’s current short supply of doctors in the country’s fight against COVID-19. Chad has 4.3 doctors and 23.2 nurses per 100,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom are in the capital N’Djamena. The WHO standard is 23 doctors and 23 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants, respectively. These medical students have specifically helped doctors by following up with people placed in quarantine.
Their assistance has allowed for better case investigation, as well as the control and surveillance of travellers at N’Djamena entry points and in the provinces. WHO provided technical support to health investigation training and equipped young recruits with gloves, masks, non-contact infrared forehead thermometers and contact tracking sheets.
Although the fear and stigma attached to COVID-19 means patients sometimes do not cooperate with follow-up teams, the follow-up strategy has been successful. After a peak in the number of confirmed cases in early May, Chad succeeded in significantly reducing the number of documented cases, while maintaining restrictive measures at the borders and opening up public places.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.