The Hungary Helps Programme’s humanitarian missions in Chad have produced significant results, according to Tristan Azbej, the State Secretary responsible for aiding persecuted Christians at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Marking the second year of Hungary’s humanitarian presence in Chad, Azbej highlighted the success of recent field missions under the slogan: Together for Human Lives.
Hungarian medical professionals recently trained 50 Chadian doctors and nurses in triage and resuscitation techniques in the country’s capital. These life-saving programmes, Azbej emphasized, reflect the principle of ‘teaching to fish rather than giving fish’, promoting sustainable skills over short-term aid.
He noted with satisfaction that ten of the trainees will now serve as instructors, passing on their newly acquired knowledge to others.
The state secretary also reported on a joint ophthalmology mission in the Lake Chad region—an area severely affected by humanitarian crises—where Hungarian and Chadian specialists performed eye examinations for hundreds of people, including refugees. Early diagnosis of eye diseases, Azbej said, can not only preserve vision but often save lives as well. He expressed gratitude to St Francis Hospital in Budapest and the Hungarian Baptist Aid for their dedicated work.
Since opening its office in early 2024, the Hungary Helps Programme has provided life-saving assistance to refugees and host communities, strengthened the capacity of local relief systems, supported recovery after natural and human-made disasters, and promoted livelihood training. The programme also contributes to food security through agricultural and livestock development projects.
‘Our shared goal remains unchanged: to save lives and help ensure that the people of one of the Sahel’s last stable countries can build their future at home, rather than being forced to flee,’ Azbej stated.
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