Chad's Senate Questions Official Dengue Death Toll

Chad's Health Minister, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, was summoned to the Senate on November 6, 2026, to address concerns over the country's dengue epidemic. The minister faced questions from senators regarding the official death toll and the government's response to the crisis. This is the second time the minister has been called to explain the situation, following an earlier appearance before the National Assembly. The Senate session was presided over by President Dr. Haroun Kabadi.

Senators expressed concerns over discrepancies between official figures and reports from communities. The minister had previously reported 18 deaths, but some senators questioned the accuracy of this number. Senator Ibrahim Wanglaouna Foullah expressed frustration over the inability of health authorities to determine the causes of certain deaths, asking, "On peut faire confiance à qui?" He argued that the lack of precise data on mortality causes is a significant problem and an "aveu d'échec pour le gouvernement".

Senator Zara Dillo highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare personnel in hospitals, which are struggling with a large influx of patients. She mentioned the demotivation of doctors, which she attributed to disparities in the allocation of bonuses across different healthcare facilities. The senator's comments underscored the need for the government to address the concerns of healthcare workers.

In response to senators' concerns, Dr. Abderahim acknowledged that some deaths have not been clearly attributed to specific causes. He suggested that community investigations could be conducted to determine the circumstances and actual causes of these deaths. The minister emphasized the importance of sanitation in the capital city as a key measure to combat the dengue epidemic.

Dr. Abderahim stressed that eliminating stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites is crucial to limiting the spread of the disease. He called for a concerted effort to clean up the capital and prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes that transmit the disease. The minister's comments reflect a recognition of the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the epidemic.

The Senate's scrutiny of the government's response to the dengue epidemic reflects growing concerns among the population. The pressure on healthcare facilities remains high, and senators are seeking more precise information on the epidemic's scope and the government's ability to contain it. The questioning of the minister highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the government's response to the crisis.

The dengue epidemic has highlighted weaknesses in Chad's healthcare system, including the need for improved data collection and community engagement. The government's response to the crisis will be closely watched by the population and the international community. The Senate's oversight is aimed at ensuring that the government takes effective measures to address the epidemic and prevent future outbreaks.

Key points

• Chad's Health Minister reported 18 deaths due to dengue, but senators questioned the accuracy of this number.
• Senators highlighted the need for improved data collection and community engagement to address the epidemic.
• The government emphasized the importance of sanitation and eliminating mosquito breeding sites to combat the dengue epidemic.