Chad : 'Behind every statistic are the faces of starving children'

"Behind every statistic you've probably read, there are the faces of starving children, empty stares that express hunger and vulnerability," were the moving words of the President of Children's Parliementaries in Chad at the launch of World Vision's Enough Campaign in the country.  

Anita Togue-yallah attended the event in N'Djamena on 27 May 2024. The campaign aims to tackle child hunger and malnutrition in Chad, raising $40 million and reaching 8 million children under the age of five over the next three years.  

"By ensuring that children and adolescents, especially girls, receive the care and nutrition they need, we are not only saving lives, we are investing in the future of an entire nation," she added.

During the press conference held just prior to the launch, Regional Director Carla Denizard explained why this campaign is particularly relevant to Chad: "because the stunting rate in Chad (32.3%) is higher than the continental average of 30%... because 66% of parents in Chad reported in a recent survey that their children do not receive the appropriate nutrients on a daily basis".

For Carla Denizard, although there are positive and encouraging developments, there is also the potential to achieve more:

" At the same time, we face a major challenge. The triple threat of humanitarian crises, climate change and child hunger undermines the achievement of the AU's Agenda 2063 - A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development".

World Vision US CEO Edgar Sandoval Sr. spoke about the war in Sudan and its consequences: "Displacement and violence are triggering what is quickly becoming the world's largest hunger crisis. And unfortunately, people are often fleeing to communities where food is already scare for those living there".

Edgar Sandoval encouraged everyone to do more to help children "in this forgotten crisis" and to turn our eyes to hungry children throughout Chad and beyond.

"As a Christian, I believe that God created each one of these precious children and that each one should be able to experience life in all its fullness," he said.  

"As an organisation, we believe that there is enough political will, policies and resources to ensure that every child cannot only survive, but also have access to enough nutritious food to thrive", said the Edouard Ngoy, the National Director of World Vision Chad. 

He reaffirmed the World Vision's commitment to mobilising and working with stakeholders at all levels in this unprecedented campaign to build a Chadian society where every girl and boy is nourished and prosperous.

The ENOUGH campaign in Chad is part of World Vision's continental and global initiatives linked to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). It also includes a drive to improve data collection systems at national and global levels so that children can be reached with support and have their voices heard in shaping key policies and outcomes.