Chad orders universities and vocational institutions to intensify dengue prevention.
Chad’s Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Vocational Training has ordered higher education and vocational institutions to strengthen dengue prevention measures as the outbreak continues to spread.
Minister Dr Sitack Yombatina issued a circular directing institutional leaders to act quickly to reduce health risks on campuses and in training centres. The measures include removing stagnant water, cleaning facilities, raising awareness, and reporting suspected dengue cases to health authorities.
By October 19, Chad had recorded more than 3,000 suspected dengue cases, 252 confirmed infections, and eight deaths. Just days earlier, the country reported 2,929 suspected cases, 213 confirmed infections, and seven deaths, signaling a worsening situation.
Health authorities first identified the outbreak at the Kounougou refugee camp in Wadi Fira Province in eastern Chad. The disease has since spread to five provinces, including Batha and the capital, N’Djamena, where health teams are reporting active transmission.
Mosquitoes spread dengue after breeding in stagnant water. Health officials urge communities to remove or cover water containers, keep their surroundings clean, and seek medical advice when symptoms appear.
The ministry says campuses and training centres need particular attention because they receive large numbers of students, trainees, lecturers, researchers, teachers, and administrative staff every day.
The ministry has directed university presidents, academy rectors, and heads of higher institutes, research centres, and technical training facilities to inspect their premises and remove mosquito breeding sites.
Institutional leaders must also clean and disinfect classrooms, laboratories, and other shared spaces regularly. They must inform students and staff about prevention measures and strengthen health monitoring on their campuses.
Authorities want schools, universities, and training centres to maintain teaching and training activities where possible. Institutional leaders are expected to work closely with public health teams, and allow health workers to enter facilities when necessary.
The directive follows a health ministry alert issued on October 9, which warned of the growing dengue outbreak and called for a coordinated national response.