From 27-29 August 2024, in N'Djaména, Chad, the Global Health Cluster conducted its first ever SIMEX for local and national actors to strengthen their role within the Chad health Cluster. 30 local and national actors from 16 organizations and including from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Action, Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs participated in this training.
This pilot SIMEX in Chad marked the initiation of the Health Cluster's Strategy to accelerate the meaningful engagement of local and national actors in the Health Cluster ensure, supported by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). With over 400 local and national NGOs actively involved in Chad, the Health Cluster is dedicated to assuring their leadership, engagement, and representation within humanitarian health responses. It recognizes the important role of local actors in these efforts and is committed to ensuring they are fully equipped to lead and deliver tangible results in humanitarian health response.
Over the course of the three-day event, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the Health Cluster's coordination mechanisms, the responsibilities of the Health Cluster coordination team, and the collective roles of partners. This exercise provided a foundation toward strengthening partnerships and providing local actors with the necessary skills and resources to lead health coordination as well as interventions during crises.
On the fourth day, Health Cluster members were introduced to the Health Cluster Strategy— Towards a Meaningful Engagement of Local and National Actors in the Health Cluster. By 2025, the Strategy aims to achieve specific commitments, such as increasing the roles of national NGOs in leading coordination and ensuring equitable participation. Moreover, the Strategy seeks to involve local actors in humanitarian program activities and enhance their capacity for resource mobilization.
The introduction was followed by a workshop to outline how Chad would adapt the Strategy to its unique context and move forward on its commitments. This culminated in the development of a draft action plan outlining key targets and timelines. The Chad Health Cluster is eager and committed to ensuring this strategic vision becomes a reality.