N’Djamena, Chad — In the heart of the Mandjafa nomadic camp, on the outskirts of Chad’s capital, Afia arrived with her four-month-old daughter Fatma to access integrated health services tailored for mobile communities. For this mother of five, these interventions are vital for safeguarding her family’s well-being. « Vaccines keep my children healthy. Whenever they fall ill, I take them straight to the health center », she explains.
Like countless nomadic families across Chad, Afia’s livelihood revolves around her livestock. However, seasonal migration and remote locations often create barriers to essential healthcare. Nomadic populations account for approximately 3.5% of Chad’s total population, making targeted outreach critical. To bridge this gap, the government has adopted the One Health strategy, uniting health, livestock, environmental, and agricultural sectors to deliver accessible services for pastoral communities.
On June 9, 2026, Mandjafa became a hub for this integrated approach, serving 134 individuals—including 11 children—through a combination of human and animal vaccination. A total of 96 livestock were vaccinated alongside health screenings, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This model ensures that families receive multiple health benefits in a single visit, minimizing travel and maximizing efficiency.
Dr. Mahamat Béchir, National Coordinator for One Health at the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, highlights the strategy’s origins: « Early research in the 2000s revealed stark gaps in vaccination coverage among nomadic groups. Adapting services to their mobile lifestyle was the only solution. »
Veterinary services were already widely utilized by herders, making them an ideal entry point for broader health outreach. By combining livestock care with maternal and child health services, teams could reach more families while reducing logistical burdens. Youssouf Idriss, a local herder with sheep, cattle, and camels, underscores the approach’s relevance: « My animals are the backbone of my family’s survival. Their health directly impacts our food security and income. »
For pastoral households, livestock health is intricately linked to nutrition, income, and overall well-being. Integrated campaigns address these needs holistically, improving prevention access while minimizing disruptions to daily routines. Raphaël Neni, a veterinary officer with five years of field experience, notes tangible improvements: « Since we strengthened vaccination efforts, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in preventable diseases. Herders themselves recognize the positive changes. »
Beyond livestock benefits, these interventions reduce zoonotic disease risks, enhancing community health security. Nationally, the One Health platform coordinates cross-sectoral collaboration between health, livestock, environment, and agriculture ministries to bolster surveillance, prevention, and response mechanisms. « Health challenges today demand a unified response. Zoonotic threats, climate shifts, and environmental concerns require coordinated action to protect populations. » — Dr. Mahamat Béchir.
For nearly two decades, Dr. Tamadji Mbaïhol, a routine immunization specialist, has worked with nomadic communities. His experience confirms their willingness to engage when services align with their realities: « Nomadic families readily accept healthcare—our challenge is reaching them where they live. Tailored interventions lead to high participation. »
The One Health model’s strength lies in its ability to consolidate multiple services during a single outreach. Over the years, its success has hinged on collaboration between government ministries and technical partners. « Support from global health partners has strengthened our platform and fostered cross-sector synergy. Today, we advance together on shared public health priorities. » — Dr. Mahamat Béchir.
As Afia prepares to leave Mandjafa with her daughter, she shares a simple yet powerful message with other parents: « Never delay taking a sick child to a health center. Quick action saves lives. »
The One Health initiative in Chad is more than a healthcare strategy—it’s a lifeline for nomadic families. By bringing essential services to their doorstep and protecting both people and livestock, it ensures survival in some of the country’s most remote landscapes.
