UNFPA-supported services help protect displaced women and girls affected by Sudan crisis

In the Iridimi refugee camp in Chad, women gathered inside a safe space supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Some clapped and sang to traditional rhythms, while others performed scenes from their daily lives: long journeys to collect firewood, fear of violence outside the camp, and attempts to rebuild their lives after fleeing the war in Sudan.

The performance took place during a visit by a UNFPA delegation led by Andrew Saberton, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for Management, to Iridimi camp, one of eight camps in the region.

According to local authorities, more than 49,698 refugees are currently living in Wadi Fira State in Chad, with women and children making up over 75% of the population following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in 2023. Camps continue to be established near the border as refugees keep arriving through four main entry points.

Saberton said:

“The generosity shown by the Government and people of Chad in hosting such a large number of refugees is an exceptional example of humanity. But the pressure on health services, protection systems, and host communities is enormous.”

Safe spaces for protection and dignity

Inside the safe space in Iridimi camp, women spoke about the risks they face when collecting firewood outside the camp, as these journeys have become longer and more dangerous due to deforestation around displacement areas. Many also spoke about fear of sexual violence and exploitation during these trips, emphasizing the importance of having a place that provides psychosocial support, information, and referrals to services.

This space, supported by UNFPA in partnership with UNHCR and local organizations, provides services for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as awareness activities, skills-building programs, and community engagement.

During the visit, “dignity kits” containing essential hygiene items for pregnant women were distributed.

Local authorities stressed that humanitarian needs remain far greater than available resources.

Rising pressure on midwives as births increase

At Iridimi health center, midwives care for mothers who gave birth overnight.

The facility, supported through partnerships including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), UNHCR, and UNFPA, handles around 300 births per month, most attended by skilled health workers. However, pressure on staff is clearly increasing.

With the growing refugee population, midwives are under increasing strain to maintain life-saving reproductive and maternal health services for both refugees and host communities.

Humanitarian agencies are also facing shortages of shelters, clean water systems, schools, solar power, and medical equipment.

The report noted that Sudan already had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world before the conflict began.

Saberton said:

“Every safe delivery here is the result of extraordinary commitment by frontline health workers operating in extremely difficult conditions. The international community cannot allow these women and girls to be forgotten.”

A crisis requiring sustained solidarity

UNFPA warned that continued international support is essential to prevent further deterioration of health and protection services in Chad, which is hosting one of the largest refugee influxes in the region.

The agency has called for $18.7 million in 2026 to support reproductive health, maternal care, and protection against gender-based violence for refugees, returnees, and vulnerable host communities in Chad.

However, as of March 2026, only 2.5% of this funding had been received, putting essential services for women and girls in eastern Chad at risk, as more people continue fleeing the war in Sudan.