Nigeria secures over 1M meningitis vaccine doses amid outbreak

NIGERIA—Nigeria is set to receive over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the global stockpile funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

This shipment aims to address the ongoing meningitis outbreak in northern Nigeria, which has already claimed more than 70 lives and resulted in over 800 reported cases across 23 states.

The outbreak, fueled by seasonal conditions such as low humidity and high dust levels during the dry season from December to June, peaks between March and April.

The vaccines will support an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged 1–29 years, identified as the most affected group.

 Initially, the campaign will focus on Kebbi and Sokoto States, with plans to expand to Yobe State as additional doses arrive.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that the arrival of Men5CV vaccines marks a critical milestone in combating the outbreak.

He highlighted that this effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations, including children and young adults.

Dr. Pate also expressed gratitude for Gavi, the WHO, and UNICEF’s support in ensuring the swift deployment of vaccines.

Gavi’s Head of High-Impact Outbreaks, Francisco Luquero, noted that vaccines have successfully eliminated meningitis A from Africa’s meningitis belt and are now targeting other serogroups to eliminate meningitis by 2030.

He stressed the importance of continued investment to sustain progress, control future outbreaks, and mitigate the devastating impact of seasonal epidemics.

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

It predominantly affects Africa’s meningitis belt, spanning 26 countries from Senegal to Ethiopia, with an at-risk population of approximately 500 million people.

Infants, children, and young adults are particularly vulnerable. Survivors often face permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, seizures, or limb weakness.

UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate emphasised that every child deserves protection from life-threatening diseases, such as meningitis.

She highlighted UNICEF’s role in rapid vaccine deployment and community engagement alongside partners like Gavi and Nigeria’s health agencies.

WHO Country Representative Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo added that Men5CV is vital not only for addressing current outbreaks but also for strengthening Nigeria’s long-term health security by preventing future epidemics.

Since its approval by WHO in 2023, Men5CV has been deployed for outbreak response and routine immunization in high-risk countries within Africa’s meningitis belt.

By switching to Men5CV for preventive campaigns and routine immunization, countries aim to reduce reliance on emergency responses while moving closer to eliminating meningitis by 2030.

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