Chad uses Men5CV vaccine for the first time in response to meningitis outbreak

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Chad meningitis
On July 1, 2025, Chad launched a reactive vaccination campaign in the Ouaddaï province following a meningococcal meningitis outbreak caused by serogroup C—marking the first such occurrence in the country’s epidemiological history. It also marked the first use of the pentavalent conjugate vaccine Men5CV in Chad. This vaccine protects against five serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis (A, C, W, Y, and X), offering broader protection against epidemics in Africa’s meningitis belt.

Background 

Chad currently uses the MenA vaccine in its routine immunization program. The emergence of serogroup C required a rapid response. The campaign targeted children and adolescents aged 1 to 19 years in the health districts of Abéché, Amleyounan, and Farchana. 

Implementation 

Chad meningitis 3The campaign ran from July 1 to 7, 2025, with support from WHO, Gavi, ICG, and UNICEF. It mobilized local health authorities, communities, and technical partners. According to Dr. Abdelmahamoud Chene, Provincial Health Delegate of Ouaddaï, “The use of Men5CV in Chad is a major step forward in our fight against meningitis outbreaks.”

 

 


Results 

Chad meningitis 2A total of 278,711 people were vaccinated, exceeding the initial target of 264,208—an administrative coverage of 105%. Among them, 43,379 were refugees (15%). All three districts surpassed 95% coverage, reflecting strong community acceptance. No serious adverse events were reported. However, 102 minor AEFIs (fever, injection site pain) were recorded. Post-campaign surveillance will continue for 42 days.

 



Outlook 

The campaign strengthened epidemiological surveillance, leading to the detection of 22 suspected measles cases and 2 suspected yellow fever cases. It also initiated technical discussions on introducing Men5CV into Chad’s national routine immunization program.

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Authors: Dr. Djalal Mohamed, Immunization Officer, WHO Chad; Dr. Mbaihol Tamadji, Immunization Officer, WHO Chad; Mr. Japhet Moudouba, Logistics Officer, WHO Chad; Dr. Djikini Djimornan, Chief of Immunization Service, Ministry of Health, Chad; Dr. Antoinette Demian, EPI Manager, Ministry of Health, Chad; Dr. Gilson Paluku, Team Lead, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, WHO Chad.

Photo caption: Vaccination of children at a Quranic school (Khalwa Mata) in the Abeche, Health District.