Recent data highlights significant challenges in Chad's water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. Currently, 43% of the population has access to basic drinking water, and 10% have access to basic sanitation services. The cholera outbreak, which escalated in July 2025, has resulted in 2,475 suspected cases and 141 deaths across 9 health districts as of September 26, with Ouaddaï, Sila, and Guéra provinces particularly affected. In displacement settings, water availability averages 7.5 liters per person per day, which is below the Sphere emergency standard of 15 liters. The distance to water sources exceeds 5 km in some areas, creating additional concerns regarding protection.
GANNET's analysis identifies priority areas across five provinces: Lake Chad Basin, Wadi Fira, Ennedi Est, Sila, and Ouaddaï. Response efforts require the expansion of safe water systems, the construction of flood-resistant sanitation facilities, and the establishment of waste management infrastructure in camps and flood-prone areas. Current cholera response activities focus on early detection, water treatment, and outbreak monitoring. However, coverage remains limited relative to documented need. Sustained support and scaled interventions in these provinces are crucial to address both the immediate outbreak response and the longer-term WASH infrastructure gaps.
