Health authorities in N’Djamena kick off a critical three-day immunization drive targeting polio, vitamin A deficiency, and parasitic infections in young children
The Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, inaugurated the nationwide vaccination campaign at the Atrone Health Center in the seventh district, marking the start of a coordinated effort running from June 5 to 7, 2026. The initiative combines polio immunization with vitamin A supplementation and albendazole deworming for eligible children.
The Government Delegate to N’Djamena Province, Amina Kodjienna, emphasized that this supplementary campaign reinforces ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s health. She urged household heads to fully cooperate with health teams to ensure all eligible children receive the necessary treatments.
A representative from Rotary International highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to polio eradication. They called on parents to support health technicians in intensifying the fight against polio, stressing that community involvement is essential to breaking transmission chains.
The UNICEF Representative in Chad, Luciano Calestini, described polio as a devastating disease and underscored the urgent need for a robust mobilization to eliminate it. He praised local and international partners for their unwavering support and commitment to ensuring every child thrives.
Comprehensive health intervention with measurable impact
Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim confirmed that the campaign will cover all 23 provinces, targeting 6.4 million children aged 0–59 months for polio vaccination. Additionally, 4.6 million children aged 6–59 months will receive vitamin A supplements, while 4.2 million children aged 9–59 months will undergo deworming with albendazole. These interventions aim to strengthen child health outcomes and reduce preventable diseases.
The Minister highlighted that Chad has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus since June 14, 2012, and was officially declared free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2016 by the WHO Regional Certification Commission for Africa. However, he cautioned that the continued circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses poses an ongoing risk, necessitating sustained vigilance and collective action.
“Behind these numbers are children, families, and the very future of our nation,” Dr. Abderahim stated. “Each vaccinated child is a victory against disease. Every child who receives vitamin A gains a stronger foundation for healthy growth, and every child dewormed takes a step toward better physical and cognitive development.”
The goal is to achieve at least 95% coverage in every health district, building on the success of the previous campaign in May. The Minister commended the dedication of field teams, supervisors, local authorities, and communities, noting that success depends on shared responsibility.
Dr. Abderahim extended deep gratitude on behalf of the Chadian Government to technical and financial partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and Nutrition International, for their continuous support. He also recognized the tireless efforts of health workers, supervisors, vaccinators, social mobilizers, volunteers, and community leaders whose collective commitment ensures the campaign’s success.