Evaluation of the state of readiness of the Minimum Emergency System (DMU) for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) care in the Republic of Chad

Abstract

The guidelines of the 2020 Minimum Service Initial Package.  Readiness Assessment, "Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are not paused during emergencies and often increase due to disruptions in health systems, displacement, and the collapse of societal protection and social structures. Pregnancies, complications, the risk of Sexual Transmited Infection and HIV transmission, and the desire to have access to contraceptives do not stop when an emergency occurs. In addition, the risks of unsafe abortions and births and sexual and gender-based violence can worsen in times of crisis and exacerbate the existing vulnerability of women, girls, and marginalized and underserved groups. To mitigate these risks, access to quality SRH care in emergencies is critical, which is why we conducted this evaluation to gain insight into preparedness and preparedness and the national and/or provincial capacity to guarantee access to essential sexual and reproductive health services in the Republic of Chad as described in the Minimum Service Initial Package.

This assessment is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development "The Future We Want", in particular in its Goals 3 "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" and 5 "Achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls"

The process of this evaluation was multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and team-based with participants divided into 2 working groups based on their comparative advantages. Each group was responsible for reviewing and reaching consensus on the formulation of priorities, which were in turn discussed in plenary.

The Minimum Service Initial Package Readiness Assessment Manual User Guide details the process and its key steps for identifying and prioritizing areas for improvement. We consulted documents such as the National Disaster Management Policy/Plan, HNO & PRH-CHAD 2024, PNDS4 (2022-2030), PAO of the SR Directorate, Law 006/PR/2015 prohibiting child marriage in Chad, Law 17/PR/2001 on the general status of the civil service, National Strategic Plan for the Health and Development of Adolescents and Young People of Chad (2020-2024), Policies and Standards of Reproductive Health Services (2011), Reference Manual for the Training of Providers in Contraceptive Technology (2021) which allowed us to identify the priorities related to the Minimum Service Initial Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health which will lead to the development of an action plan and serve as a normative advocacy document.