A joint supervision mission was conducted in Peni district, Mandoul province, Chad, from October 8-9, 2026, to evaluate vaccination activities. The mission was led by the provincial health delegate, Dr. Ndouwe Djonga, and included officials from the provincial health department, Peni district health department, and the GAVI project. The initiative aims to improve vaccination coverage and community mobilization as part of the "Zero Dose: Reach and Vaccinate Every Child" program.
The mission visited community health relays at Bedigri and Ngouroumti health centers in Mandoul central department. The goal was to assess the quality of vaccination activities, evaluate community mobilization, and identify zero-dose children, under-vaccinated children, and pregnant women in the Peni district. The "Zero Dose" initiative is implemented by the Association for the Promotion of Village Health in Chad (APSVT) to enhance vaccination coverage.
Dr. Tchouboubé Gisèle, head of the GAVI project, justified the initiative by highlighting APSVT's experience in community health. With over 40 years of experience, APSVT has developed a network of community health centers in Peni, Bekamba, Bangoul, and Nara, focusing on prevention, training, and community engagement. The GAVI project aims to strengthen vaccination coverage for zero-dose and under-immunized children in these districts.
The supervision mission allowed for an assessment of efforts by community actors and identification of challenges hindering children's access to vaccination. Dr. Ndouwe Djonga reported on activities conducted by community health relays and commended the efforts of health center officials and their collaborators. However, several challenges remain, including planning and defining vaccination targets.
Dr. Djonga emphasized the need for regular supervision and training to enable health officials to determine target populations and adapt vaccination strategies to local realities. This approach should facilitate the identification of under-covered villages and improve vaccination campaign organization. The mission's findings will inform future vaccination efforts in the region.
The "Zero Dose" initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce inequalities in access to vaccination, particularly in remote or crisis-affected areas. By strengthening community engagement and vaccination coverage, the initiative aims to improve health outcomes for children and pregnant women in Mandoul province.
The joint supervision mission demonstrates the commitment of health officials and partners to improving vaccination efforts in Chad. By addressing challenges and building on successes, stakeholders can work towards achieving better health outcomes for communities in Mandoul province and beyond.
Key points
- The mission aimed to assess vaccination activities and identify zero-dose children and under-vaccinated children in Peni district.
- The GAVI project seeks to strengthen vaccination coverage in districts with low vaccination rates.
- Community engagement and mobilization are crucial to improving vaccination outcomes in the region.
