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 2020 MISP Readiness Assessment Guidelines state, "Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs do not pause during emergencies and often increase due to disruptions to health systems, displacement, and the breakdown of societal protection and social structures. Pregnancies, complications, the risk of STI and HIV transmission, and the desire for access to contraceptives do not stop when an emergency occurs. In addition, the risks of unsafe abortions and deliveries and sexual and gender-based violence can worsen during 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 essential. This is why we conducted this assessment to gain insight into national and/or provincial readiness and capacity to ensure access to essential health services." Sexual and Reproductive in the Republic of Chad as described in the Minimum Initial Response Package. This assessment is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development "The future we want" particularly in its goals 3 "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" and 5 "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls" The process of this assessment 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 user guide of the DMU readiness assessment manual describes in detail the process and its main steps for identifying and prioritizing areas for improvement. We consulted documents such as the National Disaster Management Policy/Plan, HNO & PRH-TCHAD 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 Youth in Chad (2020-2024), Policies and Standards for Reproductive Health Services (2011), Reference Manual for Training Providers in Contraceptive Technology (2021), which allowed us to identify priorities related to the Minimum Emergency Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health, which will lead to the development of an action plan and serve as a standard advocacy document.