### Mayotte in front of the chikungunya epidemic: health and social issues
Since the beginning of 2025, the island of Mayotte has been struck by an epidemic of Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. With more than 560 cases reported since January and a disturbing increase in the number of infections, another phase of health crisis is emerging. In the light of these events, it is essential to examine both the current situation, the measures envisaged and the various implications that this leads to public health and Mahoran society.
### The current health situation
The recognition by the health authorities of the epidemic as being in phase 3 of the ORSEC Arboviroses Plan indicates a low, but increasing intensity of transmission. According to Public Health France, this situation could be undervalued due to limited access to care in parts of the island, particularly in rural and isolated areas. The diagnosis evokes “persistent pressure” on emergency services, which raises questions regarding the capacity of health infrastructure to manage this crisis, already tested by other epidemics such as cholera in 2024.
The care situation is all the more worrying given the lack of reported deaths, which could indicate either efficiency in the processing of serious cases, or fragility in the collection of data on infections. In addition, active transmission and concentration of cases in municipalities like Mamoudzou and Dzaoudzi arouse questions about the effectiveness of prevention measures.
### The vaccination campaign: a targeted response
Faced with this rise in cases, the Ministry of Health has announced a vaccination campaign targeting adults aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities. The choice of vaccination with the IXCHIQ product (Valneva) is part of a protection approach for the most vulnerable, which testifies to a concern to adapt the interventions to the specificities of the local population.
However, the effectiveness of this campaign will depend not only on the adoption of vaccines by the population, but also to improve access to care for all. The health infrastructure on the island, often described as fragile, will have to be supported to deal not only with this chikungunya epidemic, but also other public health challenges. How to facilitate access to vaccination in difficult to access areas? What means can be implemented to strengthen health services in vulnerable regions?
### Socio-health issues
Mayotte, the poorest department in France, faces often precarious living conditions, which amplifies the effects of health crises. The combination of poverty, insufficient infrastructure and public health is a fertile ground for the spread of infectious diseases. In this context, it is crucial to reflect on solutions that integrate not only public health, but also the social and economic development of the island.
Successive epidemics and their impact on the population must question public policies. What lessons do we can learn from previous crises to avoid rehearsals? Investments in health and education are cornerstone to build resilience in the face of future crises. A reinforced collaboration between health players, local communities and community organizations could make it possible to address these issues in a more integrated manner.
#### Conclusion
The challenges posed by the chikungunya epidemic in Mayotte should not be underestimated. While the vaccination campaign is set up, it is imperative to see beyond figures and epidemiological assessments. Understanding cultural, economic and social specificities is essential to design suitable and sustainable responses. The current crisis opens up a space for reflection on improving the health system and the need for collective commitment to the well-being of the Mahoran population. The possible solutions do not only reside in occasional interventions, but in a holistic approach which aims to transform the very foundations of public health on the island.