Integrated health services transform lives for nomadic families in Chad

The arid outskirts of N’Djamena are home to the Mandjafa nomadic camp, where Afia recently traveled with her four-month-old daughter Fatma to access vital health services. For this mother of five, the journey was more than routine—it was a lifeline. « Vaccinations keep my children healthy, » she shared. « Whenever they fall ill, I take them straight to the health center. »

Afia is part of Chad’s mobile pastoralist communities, where families rely on livestock for survival. Their seasonal migrations often place them far from fixed healthcare facilities, leaving access to essential services inconsistent. Representing about 3.5% of Chad’s population, these nomadic groups face unique challenges in maintaining health for both people and animals.

One Health initiative bridges gaps in pastoral communities

In response, the Chadian government has adopted the One Health strategy—a collaborative framework uniting health, livestock, environmental, and agricultural sectors. This holistic approach ensures services meet the needs of mobile populations. On June 9, 2026, the Mandjafa camp saw 134 beneficiaries, including 11 children, receive integrated care through this initiative. Vaccinations—both human and animal—were administered to 96 livestock, alongside vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

Professor Mahamat Béchir, National Coordinator of One Health at the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, emphasized the necessity of adapting services to nomadic lifestyles. « Studies from the early 2000s revealed critical gaps in vaccination coverage among nomadic groups. We realized we had to redesign our strategies to reach them effectively, » he explained.

The initiative also leverages the existing trust between herders and veterinary services. By combining animal health interventions with those for women and children, health teams maximize outreach while minimizing travel for families. Youssouf Idriss, a local herder with sheep, cattle, and camels, attested to its value: « My animals sustain my family’s life. Their health is non-negotiable. »

For pastoral households, animal health directly impacts nutrition, income, and overall well-being. Joint campaigns address multiple needs in a single visit, enhancing prevention services and accessibility.

On-the-ground impact: healthier families and livestock

Raphaël Neni, a veterinary officer with the Ministry of Livestock, has participated in nomadic health campaigns for five years. « Since we intensified vaccination efforts, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in preventable diseases, » he noted. « Herders themselves recognize the improvements in their animals’ health. »

Beyond livestock benefits, the approach reduces zoonotic disease risks, strengthening community health security. At the national level, the One Health platform coordinates across sectors—health, livestock, environment, and agriculture—to bolster prevention, surveillance, and response to health threats.

Dr. Tamadji Mbaïhol, WHO Chad’s routine immunization lead, highlighted the communities’ openness to adapted services. « Nomadic groups readily accept health interventions when they’re delivered where they live, » he said. « The challenge lies in reaching them on their terms. » With nearly two decades of experience, he has witnessed firsthand how tailored approaches drive participation.

The success of One Health in Chad stems from cross-sector collaboration and technical partnerships. Professor Béchir credited WHO’s support for strengthening the platform and fostering unified action: « Joint efforts enable us to tackle shared public health priorities more effectively. »

As teams continue their outreach, Afia prepares to return home with Fatma. Her advice to other parents is clear: « When a child is sick, act fast. Taking them to the health center early makes all the difference. » In Mandjafa, One Health isn’t just a strategy—it’s a bridge to a healthier future for Chad’s mobile communities.