CARE Canada

Published purpose

Direct and indirect hostilities between the Chadian government and various local rebel groups, the Chadian government and Sudan, and the Sudanese government and rebel groups in Darfur, have lead to a grave humanitarian crisis in the already desolate region of eastern Chad. An estimated 260,000 Sudanese refugees, displaced by the conflict in Darfur, and 185,000 Chadians, displaced by the fighting in their own country, now reside in camps in eastern Chad, putting intense pressure on a host-community of approximately 700,000 people. The resulting strain on local resources, including food, water, grazing land, and fuel sources, has led to an increased risk of life-threatening disease and malnutrition for all three populations. With CIDA support, CARE is working to help provide access to safe water for an estimated 8,000 people in three villages in eastern Chad. Some specific activities include constructing 14 new water points for human and livestock use; establishing community water management committees to maintain water facilities; distributing essential non-food items (such as jerry cans to hold water); ongoing water treatment at existing water-points; and education and/or outreach activities to promote proper hygiene awareness within targeted communities.