Public health minister initiates critical polio vaccination drive in N’Djamena
The Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, officially launched the nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Thursday at the Atrone health center in the 7th arrondissement of N’Djamena. Running from June 5 to 7, 2026, the initiative includes vitamin A supplementation and deworming with albendazole as part of a broader child health protection strategy.
The Governor’s delegate to N’Djamena province, Amina Kodjienna, emphasized that this supplementary campaign reinforces ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s health. She urged household leaders to fully cooperate with health teams to ensure all eligible children receive their vaccinations.
Strategic alliance against polio
Representatives from Rotary International, UNICEF, and other global health partners highlighted the importance of continued vigilance in eradicating polio. They called on parents to actively support health workers in the fight against the disease, stressing that community involvement is essential for success.
Luciano Calestini, UNICEF Representative in Chad, described polio as a devastating disease that demands massive mobilization for eradication. He praised the collaborative efforts already underway and reassured that international partners remain committed to supporting Chad in protecting its children.
Comprehensive health intervention targets millions of children
Dr. Abderahim confirmed that the campaign will target 6,418,757 children aged 0 to 59 months for polio vaccination, while over 4.6 million children aged 6 to 59 months will receive vitamin A supplements. Deworming with albendazole will benefit more than 4.2 million children aged 9 to 59 months across all 23 provinces of Chad.
The minister noted that while Chad has made remarkable progress—having recorded no cases of wild poliovirus since June 14, 2012, and being certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2016 by the WHO Regional Certification Commission—continuous vigilance is required. The circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses remains a persistent threat, necessitating sustained collective action.
Speaking on the campaign’s objectives, Dr. Abderahim stressed the ambition to reach at least 95% of targeted children in every health district. This goal aims to consolidate gains from the first round of vaccinations and definitively eliminate circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses nationwide.
He also acknowledged the success of the previous campaign in May, commending the dedication of field teams, supervisors, local authorities, and community members. The minister emphasized that child health is not solely the responsibility of health personnel but a shared duty involving families, communities, local authorities, and partners.
The government expressed deep gratitude to technical and financial partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and Nutrition International, for their unwavering support in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Dr. Abderahim also extended heartfelt thanks to health workers, supervisors, vaccinators, social mobilizers, volunteers, and community actors for their tireless efforts in ensuring the campaign’s success.
