N’Djamena, Chad – At the Mandjafa nomadic camp, situated on the outskirts of N’Djamena, Afia brought her four-month-old daughter, Fatma, to access the crucial services provided during an integrated outreach activity for nomadic communities. For this mother of five, these interventions are vital for safeguarding her family’s well-being. “Vaccines keep my children healthy. As soon as they fall ill, I take them to the health center,” she shared.

Like many nomadic families across Chad, Afia resides within a community where livestock forms the bedrock of household livelihoods. The seasonal migration patterns and the considerable distance from established health facilities often create significant barriers to accessing essential services. Nomadic populations constitute approximately 3.5% of Chad’s national population.

To address this pressing reality, the Chadian Government has progressively implemented the “One Health” approach. This strategy unites the health, livestock, environment, and agriculture sectors to deliver services specifically tailored for pastoral communities. In Mandjafa, on June 9, 2026, this collaborative approach successfully provided integrated services to 134 beneficiaries, including 11 children. The initiative combined human and animal vaccination, with 96 animals receiving immunizations, alongside other crucial health and preventive services. Residents particularly benefited from Vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatments, and the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

Professor Mahamat Béchir, National “One Health” Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, and permanent secretary of the platform, explained that this initiative arose from the recognition that nomadic communities were inadequately served by conventional programs. “Studies conducted in the early 2000s revealed very limited access to vaccination within certain nomadic communities. We understood the necessity to adapt our strategies to their unique way of life,” he clarified.

Field teams also noted that herders already frequently utilized veterinary services. By integrating interventions for animals with those targeting women and children, it became possible to reach a greater number of families during a single campaign, thereby minimizing the need for multiple journeys.

In Mandjafa, this innovative approach thus benefits both families and their vital livestock. Among the beneficiaries was Youssouf Idriss, a herder living near the site, who owns sheep, cattle, and camels. “My animals are fundamental to my family’s existence. They provide us with food and our livelihood. Their health is, therefore, a top priority for us,” he stated.

For pastoral households, animal health directly impacts income, nutrition, and overall well-being. These joint campaigns effectively address multiple essential needs through a single intervention, simultaneously enhancing access to preventive services. On the ground, this collaboration materializes during organized activities within the encampments.

Raphaël Neni, a veterinary agent with the Ministry of Livestock, who has been working in the field for five years, regularly supports campaigns for nomadic communities. “Since we intensified vaccination efforts, certain diseases have been declining. Herders themselves are observing the improved health of their animals,” he highlighted.

Beyond the direct benefits for livestock, these integrated interventions also contribute significantly to reducing the risks of communicable diseases between animals and humans, thereby bolstering the health security of these communities.

At the national level, the One Health platform coordinates actions across the health, livestock, environment, and agriculture sectors to strengthen prevention, surveillance, and response to health threats. “Health challenges can no longer be tackled by a single sector. Zoonotic diseases, climate change, and environmental concerns demand close collaboration to better protect populations,” Professor Béchir emphasized.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been supporting the Chadian Government in this endeavor for several years. Their assistance focuses on reinforcing the One Health platform, evaluating International Health Regulations, implementing the National Health Security Plan, and building the capacities of all involved stakeholders.

Dr. Tamadji Mbaïhol, responsible for routine vaccination at WHO Chad, noted that these communities are well-understood. For nearly two decades, he has supported health activities among nomadic populations and consistently observed their keen interest in services offered when these are adapted to their lifestyle. “Nomadic populations readily accept health services. The challenge lies in reaching them where they are. When interventions are tailored to their reality, their participation is strong,” he affirmed.

This ability to consolidate multiple services into a single intervention represents one of the primary strengths of the One Health approach, especially in regions where communities frequently move. Over the years, the successful implementation of this approach has relied on robust collaboration among various ministries and numerous technical and financial partners.

“WHO’s support has been instrumental in strengthening the One Health platform and consolidating collaboration among the relevant sectors. This dynamic now enables us to advance together on common public health priorities,” stated Professor Mahamat Béchir.

As the teams continue their activities with other families and herders, Afia prepares to return home with her daughter Fatma. Like many parents present that day, she was able to access several vital services in a single visit. Her simple advice to other parents is clear: “When a child is sick, take them to the health center quickly. It helps protect them and keep them healthy,” she reiterated.

In Mandjafa, the One Health approach brings essential services closer to Chad’s nomadic communities. It facilitates access to integrated vital care while contributing to safeguarding the health of both the people and the livestock upon which their livelihoods depend.