Tchad launches nationwide polio vaccination campaign

Chad’s health authorities initiate a critical polio immunization drive, combining vitamin A supplementation and deworming from June 5–7, 2026

Chad’s Minister of Public Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, officially launched the nationwide polio vaccination campaign at the Atrone health center in the 7th arrondissement of N’Djamena. The initiative, running from June 5 to 7, 2026, targets all children aged 0–59 months against poliomyelitis, while also providing vitamin A supplementation and albendazole deworming for older age groups.

Uniting efforts to safeguard children’s futures

Amina Kodjienna, the government delegate for N’Djamena, emphasized that this supplementary campaign reinforces ongoing efforts to shield children from preventable diseases. She urged household heads to welcome health teams into their homes to ensure every eligible child receives the life-saving vaccines.

A representative from Rotary International highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to eradicating polio and called on parents to actively support health workers in this critical mission.

Luciano Calestini, UNICEF’s representative in Chad, described poliomyelitis as a devastating disease requiring a massive mobilization to eliminate it entirely. He stressed the need for unwavering dedication from all stakeholders and reassured that partners remain steadfast in supporting Chad’s children.

Chad’s progress and ongoing challenges in polio eradication

Dr. Abderahim confirmed that Chad has recorded no cases of wild poliovirus since June 14, 2012—an achievement recognized in 2016 when the country was declared free of indigenous wild poliovirus by the WHO’s Regional Certification Commission for Africa. However, he warned that circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) continue to pose a risk, demanding constant vigilance and collective action.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 6,418,757 children aged 0–59 months against polio, provide vitamin A supplementation to over 4.6 million children aged 6–59 months, and deworm more than 4.2 million children aged 9–59 months across all 23 provinces. These numbers represent more than just statistics—they symbolize lives, families, and the future of Chad itself, the minister noted.

“Every vaccinated child is a victory against this crippling disease,” Dr. Abderahim stated. “Every child receiving vitamin A gains a stronger foundation for healthy growth, and every dewormed child takes a vital step toward improved physical and cognitive development.”

Striving for full coverage and lasting impact

The goal is to immunize at least 95% of targeted children in each health district, building on the success of the previous round and ensuring the complete absence of vaccine-derived poliovirus circulation nationwide. Dr. Abderahim praised the outstanding efforts of field teams, supervisors, local authorities, and communities in the May campaign, acknowledging their pivotal role in this public health endeavor.

“This campaign’s success hinges on everyone’s commitment,” he emphasized. “Child health is not solely the responsibility of healthcare workers—it is a shared duty involving families, communities, local leaders, partners, and all citizens.”

In the name of the Chadian government, the health minister expressed deep gratitude to technical and financial partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and Nutrition International, for their relentless support in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to the health agents, supervisors, vaccinators, social mobilizers, volunteers, and community leaders whose dedication made this initiative possible.