• Chad breaks ground on $37.7 million hospital in N’Djamena
• UAE-backed facility to serve two million people by 2028
• Project aims to improve care access, reduce medical evacuations

The Chadian government broke ground on the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Hospital in N’Djamena on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health said. The facility is worth more than 21 billion CFA francs ($37.7 million).

The project is a partnership with the United Arab Emirates, implemented through Burjeel. The hospital will have 180 beds and offer multiple medical specialties. It is due to open in May 2028 and is expected to help meet the healthcare needs of around two million people.

Authorities say the project is a key driver for reforming the sector. It aims to improve access to care, reduce reliance on costly medical evacuations and strengthen patient care, particularly for women and children.

“The start of construction reflects a concrete commitment to modernize the health system,” Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim said.

Part of the National Health Development Plan, the hospital is intended to become a center of excellence with modern facilities and stronger governance.

Chad’s health system continues to face major challenges. The World Health Organization says access to care remains limited, with disparities between urban and rural areas, a shortage of medical staff and inadequate infrastructure. It also points to recurring drug shortages and pressures linked to regional humanitarian crises.

Health spending accounts for about 7% of government expenditure, the WHO says. The 2026 health budget stands at 223.4 billion CFA francs, down slightly from 226.3 billion CFA francs ($406.5 million) in 2025.

In response to these challenges, the WHO is supporting Chad under its 2024–2027 strategy, which focuses on expanding coverage, strengthening resilience to emergencies and reducing inequalities in access to care. Beyond health, the project is part of broader cooperation between Chad and the UAE, covering infrastructure, energy, agriculture and security in a context marked by economic and security pressures.

Charlène N’dimon