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Communication for Polio Eradication in Chad

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Presented at: The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting on Communication for Polio Eradication

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Summary

[Please note: the original presentation is in French.]

This PowerPoint presentation was part of a June 2005 joint United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting dedicated to examining communication in the context of the final global push to eradicate polio. At this meeting, country-specific presentations were made by communication practitioners in 16 of the 21 countries which have experienced cases of wild poliovirus in 2004 and/or in 2005 (to June). The total number of global poliovirus cases increased from 784 cases in 2003 to 1,255 cases in 2004, with 1,004 cases reported to August 9 2005 (548 for the same period in 2005). Communication strategies presented at this meeting were primarily focused on:

  1. Analysing the results of programmes implemented to June 2005, and
  2. Detailing the planned communication programme for the next 6 to 12 month period, designed to support a reversal of the above trend and achievement of the goal of eradicating polio worldwide.


The presentation provided an overview of the epidemiological history, as well as the country-specific communication strategies and challenges within Chad.

From 2000 to September 2003, Chad reported no cases of wild poliovirus; but from October 2003 to November 2004, the country reported 49 cases. Of these cases, 29% were not vaccinated.

The communication environment is influenced by the following factors:

  • there are many cases of resistance and refusals of polio vaccination;
  • there is an absence of integrated vaccination communication plans at all levels;
  • there is a lack of communication between the communities and health services.

The media environment is characterised by public audio/visual media (radio and television), rural radios and many FM radio stations that contribute to the sensitisation of the public on vaccination.

Development communication strategies such as advocacy, social mobilisation and communication for behaviour change are implemented; some results of communication activities are listed.

The main challenge of the programme is to utilise the current support of development partners for the drafting of a sound and effective communication strategy.

The presentation included an introduction to plans for National Immunisation Days (NIDs) in November and December 2005.

Click here to download the full PowerPoint presentation, in French, as a PDF file.