Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, Gado Mahamadou, Head of Mission in Chad, said multiple areas have faced simultaneous outbreaks of measles and meningitis since early 2026, putting already fragile health services under intense pressure. Meningitis, a potentially deadly infection, can spread quickly in densely populated settings where families share limited shelter and basic services.

Case numbers described by Mahamadou show a sharp rise over a short period. Reporting from the affected areas indicated 16 cases in January, rising to 371 cases in March, followed by 161 cases recorded in the first week of April alone. Mahamadou described the trend as “really, really a challenging situation”, warning that health facilities can become overwhelmed quickly when transmission intensifies.

Overcrowding and gaps in routine immunisation were identified as key drivers. Mahamadou said many displaced families arrived from locations where health systems have been weakened for years, leaving large numbers of children without essential vaccinations. Limited clinic coverage and long travel distances to reach care were also cited as barriers, alongside shortages of space and supplies.

Vaccination and treatment efforts are underway, with a focus on preventing further spread and protecting children. Gado Mahamadou reported vaccination roll-outs in affected areas, including 237 000 children vaccinated in one location, with additional vaccinations continuing as teams expand coverage. Treatment has also been provided for severe cases, with about 1 500 complicated cases managed since January, according to the interview.

Humanitarian teams cited funding cuts and reduced donor support as a growing constraint, alongside persistent gaps in primary healthcare and routine immunisation. Mahamadou said rising patient loads are pushing facilities beyond capacity, with bed occupancy described as exceeding available space in some sites.

–ChannelAfrica–