Chad launches African Vaccination Week to boost immunization

Chad has officially launched the 2026 African Vaccination Week in N’Djamena, running from September 14 to 19. The initiative, themed ‘For every generation, vaccines work’, aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of immunization and encourage catch-up vaccinations for children and individuals who have missed scheduled doses.

Dr. Mbaidedji Dekandji Francine, the Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, presided over the ceremony alongside local authorities and technical partners. The campaign seeks to ensure that every child and pregnant woman has access to vaccines to strengthen long-term protection against preventable diseases.

UNICEF representative Daouda Diop noted that vaccination saves approximately 1.8 million lives annually in Africa by protecting against more than 30 potentially fatal diseases. Local officials, including the mayor of N’Djamena’s 6th arrondissement, Zenaba Edith, pledged to support the campaign by mobilizing community leaders and providing public spaces to bring health services closer to the population.