Chad

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Given the vast size of the country, the lack of infrastructure, equipment, reproductive health products and services, political instability, poverty and socio-cultural constraints, the Chadian population's access to and use of basic social services is severely limited.  Despite economic growth of 9.6%, Chad ranks 185th out of 188 countries in terms of human development. Its health indicators remain very unsatisfactory. The country has one of the fastest-growing populations in the region, at around 3.5% a year, as a result of a still very high fertility rate and virtually no use of contraceptive methods. To embark on its demographic transition, the country must overcome a number of challenges, including reducing the age of first marriage, which is 16 on average, and consequently the age of first birth and the health risks for mother and child. Chad must encourage girls to go to school by investing more in education, which currently accounts for 3.2% of national GDP.