Chad’s health minister kickstarts historic polio vaccination drive with vitamin A boost and deworming
In a decisive move to safeguard the nation’s youth, Chad has launched an intensive three-day vaccination campaign targeting poliomyelitis, vitamin A supplementation, and deworming with albendazole. The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, Minister of Public Health and Prevention, is set to run from June 5 to 7, 2026, covering all 23 provinces across the country.
N’djamena, the capital, serves as the epicenter of the campaign, with the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Atrone health center in the 7th arrondissement. Addressing the nation, Dr. Abderahim emphasized that this intervention marks a critical milestone in Chad’s relentless battle to eradicate preventable childhood diseases and enhance nutritional outcomes.
A united front against polio
The drive has galvanized support from local authorities, international partners, and community leaders. Amina Kodjienna, General Delegate of the Government for N’djamena province, urged households to fully cooperate with health teams, stressing that every child vaccinated is a step toward a healthier future. “The doors of every home must remain open to these heroes in white,” she stated.
Rotary International, a longstanding ally in the fight against polio, reiterated its commitment, calling on parents to actively collaborate with health technicians. “This is a collective responsibility,” a representative noted, urging families to prioritize their children’s immunity.
The UNICEF representative in Chad, Luciano Calestini, described polio as a devastating disease that demands unwavering mobilization. “The eradication of polio is within reach, but only if we act with urgency and unity,” he warned, reassuring that global partners stand firmly beside Chad to ensure children thrive.
Staggering scale: millions of children set to benefit
Dr. Abderahim unveiled ambitious targets: 6.4 million children aged 0–59 months will receive the polio vaccine, while over 4.6 million aged 6–59 months will benefit from vitamin A supplementation. Additionally, more than 4.2 million children aged 9–59 months will undergo deworming treatment with albendazole. These numbers reflect Chad’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens from preventable threats.
The minister highlighted Chad’s remarkable progress—no wild poliovirus cases have been reported since June 14, 2012, earning the country certification as polio-free in 2016. Yet, he cautioned that circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) remain a looming danger, necessitating sustained vigilance and community engagement.
Breaking barriers to health equity
Dr. Abderahim framed the campaign as more than a health intervention; it is a national imperative. “Every vaccinated child represents a victory over disease. Every child fortified with vitamin A is a child given the chance to grow strong. And every dewormed child is a step closer to unlocking their full potential,” he declared. The goal is to achieve at least 95% coverage in every health district, building on the successes of the previous round in May and ensuring no child is left unprotected.
The minister extended heartfelt gratitude to the tireless teams on the ground—health workers, supervisors, local leaders, and volunteers—whose dedication made past campaigns a success. “This is not the work of health personnel alone; it is a shared responsibility involving families, communities, and every citizen,” he affirmed.
In closing, Dr. Abderahim conveyed the Government of Chad’s deepest appreciation to technical and financial partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and Nutrition International, whose relentless support has been instrumental in shielding Chad’s children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
