Chad launches nationwide polio vaccination drive with vitamin A and deworming

Chad’s health minister initiates critical polio vaccination campaign alongside vitamin A supplementation and deworming

The campaign, launched by Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, Minister of Public Health and Prevention, targets over 6.4 million children under five years old. Scheduled from June 5 to 7, 2026, the initiative combines polio immunization with vitamin A distribution and albendazole deworming for children aged 6 to 59 months and 9 to 59 months respectively.

Addressing officials at the Atrone health center in N’Djamena’s 7th arrondissement, Dr. Abderahim emphasized the campaign’s role in sustaining Chad’s progress against vaccine-preventable diseases. He highlighted that Chad has remained free of indigenous wild poliovirus since 2012, achieving certification from the WHO’s Regional Certification Commission in 2016—yet the threat of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses persists.

Amina Kodjienna, Government Delegate for N’Djamena Province, urged households to fully cooperate with health teams, stressing that vaccination is a shared responsibility for safeguarding children’s futures.

Luciano Calestini, UNICEF Representative in Chad, described polio as a devastating disease requiring relentless collective action. He praised partners—including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and others—for their unwavering support in ensuring children’s health and nutrition.

The health minister outlined ambitious targets: achieving at least a 95% coverage rate in every health district to halt circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses. He commended recent campaign successes, acknowledging the dedication of field teams, supervisors, local authorities, and communities.

Dr. Abderahim underscored that protecting children extends beyond healthcare workers—it demands the commitment of families, communities, and national stakeholders. The government expressed deep gratitude to technical and financial partners, as well as frontline workers, whose efforts are vital to Chad’s long-term health security.

With tens of thousands of vaccinators and volunteers mobilized, this campaign represents another step toward securing a polio-free future for Chad’s youngest citizens.