UNICEF has launched a new emergency nutrition support opportunity in Chad for partners working in Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est. The programme focuses on treating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children under five, strengthening health worker capacity and promoting Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E). This initiative aims to deliver life-saving care, empower caregivers and reinforce nutrition systems in crisis-affected communities.

UNICEF Opens Call to Strengthen Emergency Nutrition Services in Chad

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has announced a new funding and partnership opportunity to support emergency nutrition services in Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, two regions of Chad severely affected by crisis, displacement and limited access to health care. The initiative targets the most vulnerable groups—young children and mothers—by expanding access to life-saving treatment and preventive nutrition services.

Goal of the Programme

The initiative aims to ensure high-quality, free treatment for children under five suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), while also building community resilience and improving caregiver practices during emergencies.

Key goals include:

• Reduce mortality and morbidity linked to SAM.

• Improve access to treatment via both fixed health facilities and outreach services.

• Strengthen capacity of health workers and community volunteers.

• Promote safe, effective Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E).

• Create supportive environments for mothers and caregivers in crisis settings.

Key Components of the Intervention

1. Treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

• Free, high-quality SAM treatment for girls and boys under five.

• Services delivered through:

  • Fixed health sites for stable populations.

  • Outreach and mobile services for remote, mobile or displaced communities.

• Continuous supervision to ensure treatment quality, adherence and proper case management.

2. Strengthening Capacity of Health and Community Workers

UNICEF prioritizes technical and operational capacity building to ensure sustainable, high-quality service delivery.

Capacity-building activities include:

• Training health workers in SAM identification, referral and treatment according to national protocols.

• Supporting community volunteers in screening, follow-up and counselling.

• Regular supervision missions to maintain quality standards.

3. Support for Mothers and Caregivers

A strong preventive and educational component aims to empower women and caregivers with essential knowledge.

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E)

The initiative promotes:

• Early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.

• Safe complementary feeding practices for children aged 6–23 months.

• Protection of breastfeeding during crisis environments.

UNICEF will support:

• GASPA (Groupes d’Apprentissage et de Suivi des Pratiques d’Alimentation)

• Designated breastfeeding spaces
  These safe environments help mothers learn, practice and sustain IYCF-E behaviours.

4. Community Engagement and Prevention Efforts

• Community volunteers mobilize households for screening and follow-up.

• Behaviour change messaging helps prevent malnutrition.

• Engagement structures strengthen resilience and local ownership.

Who Is Eligible?

Organisations that may qualify include:

• National and international NGOs

• Civil society organisations

• Community-based organisations with proven nutrition or emergency response capacity

Preferred applicants should have:

• Experience delivering SAM treatment and IYCF-E activities

• Ability to operate in crisis-affected or hard-to-reach areas

• Strong community engagement systems

• Qualified staff and effective monitoring capacity

Why This Matters

• Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est face recurring emergencies, displacement and severe gaps in nutrition services.

• SAM remains a life-threatening condition requiring urgent, evidence-based treatment.

• Mothers and infants often lack access to safe feeding support during crises.

• Strengthening health systems and communities reduces long-term vulnerability and prevents future nutrition emergencies.

How the Programme Works

Programme Flow

1. SAM Screening & Identification
   Community volunteers identify and refer malnourished children.

2. Admission & Treatment
   Children receive treatment at fixed health sites or through mobile clinics.

3. Continuous Supervision
   Supervisors ensure protocol adherence, monitor performance and provide on-site coaching.

4. Caregiver Counselling
   Mothers and caregivers receive IYCF-E guidance through GASPA and breastfeeding support spaces.

5. Capacity Building
   Health workers and volunteers receive targeted training to strengthen skills.

6. Monitoring & Reporting
   Partners monitor progress, ensure data quality and report regularly to UNICEF.

Common Challenges in Emergency Nutrition and Solutions

1. Remote, Hard-to-Reach Populations

Solution: Outreach and mobile services ensure access to treatment.

2. Low Caregiver Awareness

Solution: IYCF-E counselling and GASPA sessions build practical knowledge.

3. Limited Local Capacity

Solution: Targeted training and supervisory support for health staff and volunteers.

4. Weak Data and Monitoring Systems

Solution: Strengthened reporting and supervision ensure accuracy and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is the main target of this initiative?

Children under five with Severe Acute Malnutrition and mothers or caregivers needing feeding support in emergencies.

2. What regions are covered?

The programme focuses on Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est in Chad.

3. What services will partners be expected to deliver?

SAM treatment, outreach activities, IYCF-E support, capacity building and supervision.

4. Does the programme include mobile activities?

Yes, outreach and mobile services are essential to reach remote and mobile communities.

5. What is IYCF-E?

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies—guidance to protect the nutrition of infants and young children during crises.

6. How will UNICEF ensure quality of services?

Through training, continuous supervision and adherence to national nutrition protocols.

7. Why is caregiver support included?

Supporting mothers and caregivers prevents malnutrition, strengthens resilience and protects infants in crisis settings.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s emergency nutrition opportunity in Chad provides a critical platform for organisations committed to saving lives, treating severe acute malnutrition and strengthening community resilience. By integrating treatment, prevention, IYCF-E support and capacity building, the initiative reinforces nutrition systems and protects the wellbeing of children and mothers in one of the country’s most vulnerable regions.