• Chad begins drafting a manual to implement its National Digital Health Program

• Aims to ease doctor shortages via telemedicine and digital tools

• Low internet access (13.2%) threatens rollout, especially in rural areas

Chadian authorities launched a workshop on Tuesday, July 1, to draft the procedural manual for the National Digital Health Program (PNSN). The goal is to create a reference document outlining the administrative, financial, operational, and technical processes needed for the program's implementation.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, the manual must align with both national and international standards of good governance to ensure optimal management of public resources. "Digital health is no longer optional, it's a necessity," emphasized Nassir Idriss Adam, coordinator of the PNSN.

The creation of this procedural framework is part of broader efforts to structure digital health interventions and meet the expectations of development partners, particularly regarding workforce and skills. According to the 2023 National Health Workforce Accounts Report, published in October 2024 by the Ministry, Chad had 1,523 doctors in 2022.

"The physician density in Chad is about 0.8, meaning each doctor serves roughly 18,000 patients. This is well below the WHO's (World Health Organization) recommended ratio of one doctor per 10,000 patients," the report states. The World Bank reported a ratio of 0.1 doctors per 1,000 patients for the same year.

Implementing a structured digital health framework could help address the country’s medical staff shortage. Digital tools, such as electronic medical records, teleconsultations, and hospital management platforms, are seen as key levers to optimize existing resources and improve continuity of care.

However, as of early 2025, only 2.74 million people in Chad were internet users, representing a 13.2% penetration rate, according to DataReportal. Since adequate internet access is crucial for deploying digital services, authorities will need to prioritize connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure the program's success.

Written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin