A high-level delegation of global polio and immunization partners was received by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in N'Djamena on 31 August 2026, according to UNICEF. The visit aimed to advance political commitment and regional cooperation on polio eradication and immunization in Chad and across the Lake Chad Basin, and to review progress toward a polio-free future.

The visit marked President Déby's recognition as Champion for Immunization and Polio Eradication, citing Chad's role in driving collective action in the Lake Chad Basin. In this role, he is to help keep the goals high on national and regional agendas, promote cooperation among countries and advocate for sustained action to reach every child, including those in border areas and among mobile, displaced and underserved communities.

The delegation included Dr Chris Elias of the Gates Foundation, Dr Zouera Youssoufou of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, WHO Africa Regional Director Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi and UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Director Gilles Fagninou, alongside representatives of GPEI, Rotary International, Gavi, UNFPA and the US CDC. UNICEF said population movements, insecurity and access constraints continue to make it difficult to reach every child consistently in the basin. Discussions with Chad's health and finance ministers and a high-level review emphasized sustained financing, human resources, accountability and coordinated regional action.