Chad, a country in Central West Africa, is facing a reality characterized by the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, a fertility rate over 50% among women under 16, administrative paralysis due to a surge in refugees, and ongoing famine. Once a French colony, Chad is a country rich in oil with a population of 18 million, but due to civil wars, coups, and conflicts among religious factions, it remains one of the poorest nations in Africa. The country, which is more than six times the area of the Korean Peninsula, is primarily located in the Sahel region, on the frontline of climate change, making it vulnerable to droughts, torrential rains, and floods.
Yewande Osarhieme Odia, head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Chad Office, noted during a meeting in Jung-gu, Seoul, this month that "the most significant victims in such harsh environments are ultimately young women," and urged for international assistance. She pointed out that poverty, education interruptions, child marriage, and indiscriminate childbirth work together like a cogwheel, leading to the collapse of social infrastructure. She indicated that "a considerable number of Chadian women marry around the age of 12, causing them to lose control of their lives," and emphasized that "ensuring women's choices must be a stepping stone for national growth." Below is a Q&A with Odia.
─I'm curious about what UNFPA is and the main roles of its Chad office.
"UNFPA is a UN agency that focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, prevention and response to gender-based violence, and population data building. In Chad, it particularly addresses issues of maternal mortality, child marriage, and women's accessibility to education. Unfortunately, Chad has a structure where it is difficult for women to proactively design their lives. It is not an exaggeration to say that women's choices are virtually non-existent in this society.
As the director, I am implementing the goals that UNFPA advocates in a way that is suitable for the local situation in Chad. This involves finding realistic intersections between international standards and the national development plans of the Chad government to lead to tangible change. Specifically, we are operating systems such as ▲ midwife programs to support childbirth ▲ mobile clinics for vulnerable areas ▲ and educational programs for women's independence.
─I heard that Chad has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
"That's true. According to data released in early 2020, the mortality rate during childbirth in Chad is as serious as accounting for about 6% of total deaths. One problem is that systematic statistical recording has not been carried out locally, making it unclear what the most recent situation is. As shifting cultivation is primarily practiced in Chad, farmers move their residences frequently. There is no aggregation on which regions births occur, how many die, or what facilities are lacking.
An even bigger problem is that refugees are pouring in from nearby countries like Sudan, Nigeria, and Cameroon, leading to a two- to three-fold increase in the population. Under a health infrastructure that is significantly lacking compared to demand, support for maternal health, responses to violence against women, psychological counseling, and legal support are all being carried out simultaneously. Most programs rely on external support from NGOs, and when funding ceases, they are inevitably halted.
─I hear that Korea is also contributing to support projects in Chad.
"We have been operating a 'Women's Empowerment Program' for two years in the southern region of Chad and the Lake region, with financial support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This program not only provides health services but also incorporates self-sustaining vocational training in tailoring, cooking, and other skills. Through this program, we have successfully empowered women to send their children to school, earn a living, and regain their self-esteem.
However, this program is set to end in July, and there has been no discussion about follow-up support. Although this is due to the expiration of the contract period, it is particularly regrettable to halt something when we have felt changes on the ground.
─There are concerns that the impact will be significant as Trump cuts international aid budgets.
"The repercussions of the budget cuts are already becoming visible on the ground. Recently, the Trump administration significantly reduced the budget for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), directly hitting UNFPA programs in Eastern and Southern Chad and the Lake region that relied on U.S. funding. We are facing a situation where salaries for 100 of the 300 midwives may be abruptly terminated, and we are currently barely continuing our operations by temporarily relying on other funds.
Of course, a poor country cannot indefinitely rely on foreign aid. In the long term, I hope that the Chad government can autonomously run the nation without external support. However, complete independence is still impossible at this point. Achieving a certain level of infrastructure requires ongoing international support.
─As 'nationalism' spreads worldwide, skepticism about foreign aid is growing. Why do you think Korea should support Chad?
"Amid the chaos and increased uncertainty in the global economy, it is inevitable that skepticism toward foreign aid is growing. However, the humanitarian community ultimately requires cooperation. Korea also has a history of growing from a country that received aid to one that provides it. I believe that we have a significant capacity to contribute to the international community by leveraging this history.
Moreover, foreign aid will be a powerful driving force in solidifying Korea's position in the international community as a 'soft power'. Isn't the brand value of Korea rapidly increasing as the whole world is crazy about K-pop and K-drama? I believe Korea can achieve diplomatic success through connections in culture, education, and cooperation.