In response to a growing meningitis outbreak across northern Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has secured over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV), aimed at containing the spread of meningococcus strains C and W.
The vaccines, drawn from the Gavi-supported global emergency stockpile, arrived as the country battles rising infection rates. A joint statement issued on Friday by Gavi, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF confirmed the delivery and outlined plans for an emergency vaccination campaign targeting those most at risk, especially people between the age of one and 29 years.
Initial rollout of the campaign will begin in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with Yobe expected to follow once additional doses are received.
As of March 26, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicated 807 suspected meningitis cases and 74 fatalities across 22 states, placing the case fatality rate at 9.2 percent.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, welcomed the vaccine arrival, calling it a major boost to Nigeria’s public health response. He described the development as part of the government’s broader agenda to safeguard citizens, particularly vulnerable children and youths.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to epidemic preparedness and swift intervention, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda. We appreciate the collaboration with Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF in delivering these vaccines quickly,” Pate said.
Meningitis is a life-threatening illness that inflames the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. While it can stem from various sources, bacterial forms, particularly meningococcal strains, pose the greatest threat and spread rapidly in epidemic conditions.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, stressed the importance of rapid intervention to protect children from such high-risk diseases. “This vaccine is a vital step toward ending the current outbreak and fortifying communities against future threats,” she said.
Similarly, WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, hailed the Men5CV vaccine as a crucial tool for Nigeria’s public health resilience. “This vaccine represents the outcome of a global collaboration—from its development to its arrival in Nigeria—and will play a key role in preventing future outbreaks,” he noted.
With this rollout, the government and its global health partners hope to not only curb the ongoing crisis but also enhance long-term immunisation infrastructure across the country.
