Malaria, pneumococcal, and rotavirus vaccines introduced in Chad's EPI
In a landmark moment for child health, Chad has introduced three powerful vaccines against malaria, pneumococcal infections, and rotavirus nationwide, targeting nearly one million children under the age of one. This historic rollout, launched on October 25, 2024, aims to drastically reduce rates of preventable diseases and save thousands of lives in a country where malaria alone accounts for 43% of medical consultations and 30% of all deaths.
The triple introduction includes the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the rotavirus vaccine for all children under one, while 168,522 children aged 6-15 months in 28 priority health districts will receive the newly launched malaria vaccine. With this initiative, Chad becomes the 14th African nation to offer malaria vaccination, significantly expanding access to this life-saving protection.
The official launch took place in N’Djamena under the leadership of Chad’s Minister of Health, Dr Abdelmadjid Abderahim Mahamat, who administered the first dose of the malaria vaccine to Baraka Tom, an infant whose mother, Zara Oumar, hopes this new protection will secure her child’s future.
Chad's Minister of Health emphasized that this triple vaccine introduction marks a pivotal moment in the country’s public health efforts. With malaria cases placing a heavy burden on the health system, this launch is crucial for protecting children and safeguarding the health of future generations. These vaccines will reduce hospitalizations, ease pressure on healthcare resources, and save lives.
The event marked the outcome of a collaborative effort involving the Chadian government, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and a host of other international partners. A GAVI representative highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, noting that such a robust vaccination effort will create a "before and after" for child health in Chad.
Gavi, a primary partner in the rollout, emphasized that the three vaccines are expected to create a visible impact on Chad’s child mortality rates, which have long been among the highest in the region. Through routine immunization, these vaccines will significantly curb infections and prevent thousands of deaths from preventable diseases.
A WHO representative highlighted that “the introduction of vaccines against pneumococcal infections, rotavirus and malaria increases the number of antigens offered by Chad Expanded Programme on Immunization from 11 to 14, thus constituting a strong testimony to the commitment of the government and its partners to guarantee a healthier and more prosperous future for Chadian children”.
The introduction of these vaccines is not just a preventive measure; it symbolizes the strength of global health partnerships working in tandem to address the most pressing health challenges in low-income countries.
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Authors: Dr Mbaihol Tamadji and Dr Gilson Paluku, Medical Officers WHO Chad
Photo: WHO/Chad