Chad Launches Triple Vaccine Initiative to Curb Infant Mortality

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

A map of Africa showing Chad. Image credit: Alamy

Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Chad has launched a new vaccination initiative under its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), targeting malaria, pneumococcal disease and rotavirus diarrhea. This simultaneous introduction of three life-saving vaccines positions Chad as one of the pioneering nations to adopt a multi-disease immunization approach, backed by the Ministry of Health and key partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Malaria, pneumococcal infections and rotavirus are leading causes of childhood deaths in Chad and across Africa. These vaccines offer essential new tools to combat diseases that have long plagued communities, particularly among children. Vaccination efforts will cover the entire nation for pneumonia and diarrhoea, while malaria vaccine deployment will be phased, starting in 28 high-risk health districts. This phased rollout aims to optimize vaccine access in the regions most affected by malaria, ensuring a swift and meaningful impact. With this launch, Chad becomes the 14th country to incorporate the malaria vaccine into its national immunization program, aligning with the WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030. This marks a significant milestone in Chad’s fight against malaria, as the country works toward the WHO's goal of a 90% reduction in malaria mortality by 2030.

Dr. Abdelmadjid Abderahim, Chad’s Minister of Public Health, highlighted the strategic importance of the malaria vaccine: "Chosen based on rigorous standards of quality, safety and efficacy, this vaccine provides an added advantage in our fight against malaria, targeting all children under 23 months by year’s end." 

The introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) offers critical protection against pneumococcal infections—responsible for severe illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. In addition, the rotavirus vaccine addresses another major health threat: severe diarrhoea, which often leads to acute dehydration and is a major contributor to infant mortality in Chad. These conditions remain among the leading causes of child mortality in Chad, particularly for children under five, however the introduction of these vaccines could prevent countless hospitalizations, ease the burden on healthcare facilities and save thousands of lives annually.

Chad’s Ministry of Health alongside other partners have developed essential policies, integrated the vaccines into the national immunization schedule and crafted a robust rollout plan, including the training of healthcare workers and investment in logistical capacities such as vaccine storage. These efforts also include extensive community outreach to foster acceptance and demand for the vaccines, supported by ongoing monitoring to ensure successful distribution. Dr. Blanche Anya, WHO’s Representative in Chad, remarked, "The malaria vaccine launch marks an important milestone in child health. We remain committed to supporting Chad’s efforts in implementing this and other life-saving interventions."

Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Programmes and Delivery Officer at Gavi, praised Chad’s determination, saying, "Introducing three vaccines simultaneously is a remarkable achievement, underscoring the Ministry of Health's commitment to child health. We have seen the transformative impact these vaccines have on health, families, and communities across Africa." By integrating these vaccines, Chad is making substantial progress toward reducing infant mortality. This initiative reflects a unified commitment to safeguard the health of Chad's children, especially the most vulnerable. Through prevention, effective treatment and vaccination, Chad is striving to tackle public health challenges that have long burdened its communities.

Source: GAVI Newsroom

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Published: October 29, 2024

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