Chad’s health authorities initiate a critical three-day immunization campaign targeting polio, vitamin A supplementation, and deworming from June 5 to 7, 2026
Public health leaders in Chad have kicked off an ambitious nationwide campaign to vaccinate children against polio, alongside vitamin A distribution and deworming treatments. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, will run from June 5 to 7, 2026, and aims to reach over 6.4 million children aged 0 to 59 months.
The campaign’s launch was officiated at the Atrone health center in N’Djamena’s 7th arrondissement by Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, Minister of Public Health and Prevention. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the campaign’s role in safeguarding children from vaccine-preventable diseases while improving their nutritional status.
Chad’s progress and ongoing challenges
Dr. Abderahim highlighted that Chad has reported no cases 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 circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) remain a persistent threat, necessitating sustained vigilance and collective action.
The campaign targets:
- 6,418,757 children aged 0–59 months for polio vaccination
- 4.6 million children aged 6–59 months for vitamin A supplementation
- 4.2 million children aged 9–59 months for deworming with albendazole
“Behind these numbers are real children, families, and the future of our nation,” Dr. Abderahim stated. “Every child vaccinated is a victory over disease. Every child given vitamin A is a step toward a healthier future. Every child dewormed is a step closer to fulfilling their physical and intellectual potential.”
A call for collective responsibility
Amina Kodjienna, the government delegate to N’Djamena Province, urged household heads to fully support the campaign by allowing health teams access to children. She stressed that community engagement is essential to achieving the target of vaccinating at least 95% of eligible children in every health district.
Representatives from global health partners, including Rotary International and UNICEF, reaffirmed their commitment to polio eradication. Luciano Calestini, UNICEF Representative in Chad, described polio as a devastating disease and called for renewed dedication from all stakeholders to eliminate it entirely.
Strengthening partnerships for long-term impact
Dr. Abderahim acknowledged the critical role of international partners such as the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and Nutrition International in supporting Chad’s immunization efforts. He also expressed gratitude to the thousands of health workers, supervisors, mobilizers, and community volunteers whose tireless efforts have driven the success of previous campaigns.
The Minister underscored that child health is not solely the responsibility of healthcare workers but a shared duty involving families, communities, local authorities, and all citizens. “Success in this campaign depends on each one of us,” he said. “Only by working together can we protect every child and secure a healthier future for Chad.”
