Thanks to PANORAMA and Dr Grace Kodindo who brought the tragedy of a woman's 1:11 lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy to the world's attention, we are now aware of Chad's terrible history of maternal mortality and in particular that of the capital N'Djamena's main maternity hospital where 12,000 women are delivered every year. Happily, we now know that since October 2005 and thanks in part to HFGK, that risk has reduced significantly. Maternal mortality has fallen from 14% to 2.3% and neonatal mortality has reduced from 23% to 7.3%, thus proving that if we save a mother's life we save two lives. Dr Kodindo reported these statistics to the European Parliament in May 2008, informing them that this success was not down to governments or big organisations, but to a small group of people in the UK. The EU Members were suitably impressed. Mrs Glenys Kinnock, MEP attended the presentation and subsequently reported to HFGK's Chair her delight that one of her constituents had been part of this success story.

The political situation in Chad remains volatile, thus creating doubts about the safety of future visits, however resources can still be shipped to the capital N'Djamena. In September 2008, we established that the hospital has enough Magnesium Sulphate to last well into 2009 and are able to verify all information via the UNFPA in Chad. It is hoped that if and when the cycles of civil20unrest cease, we will be able to return to the country and the hospital where it all started.

Update: 10 January 2009
HGRN have enough Magnesium Sulphate and Misoprostol to last until the middle of the year. Late next week (w/c 11th January) and at Dr Grace's request, almost £2000 worth of antibiotics will be shipped to HGRN. As far as we know, the maternal mortality rate continues at the low rate, because the medicines are now freely available to the women. We will immediately place any updated statistics on Chad, as soon as they become available. Following discussion with Dr Grace it is not anticipated that representatives from HFGK will be able to visit Chad in the near future, however the main support of the lifesaving medicines, continues.