Nigeria has received more than one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-funded global stockpile, to curb a deadly outbreak of meningitis in the north.
The outbreak, caused by meningococcus C and W strains, has claimed over 70 lives and led to more than 800 reported cases across 23 states.
Seasonal outbreaks are common in Nigeria during the dry season, from December to June, peaking between March and April when humidity is low and dust levels are high.
The newly arrived shipment will support an emergency vaccination campaign targeting people aged 1 to 29 — the group most severely affected. The campaign is set to begin in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with Yobe to follow as more doses arrive.
In a joint statement in Abuja, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the vaccine arrival marked a “crucial milestone” in Nigeria’s response.
“This reflects our commitment under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to protect the health of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable,” he said.
“With support from Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, we are not only containing today’s outbreak but also laying the foundation to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunisation.”
Francisco Luquero, Gavi’s Head of High-Impact Outbreaks, noted that previous vaccine campaigns had eliminated meningitis A in Africa’s meningitis belt.
“Now we are expanding efforts to tackle other deadly strains. Continued investment is critical to protecting progress, controlling outbreaks, and reducing the impact of this disease on families and communities,” he said.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Cristian Munduate said the arrival of Men5CV was a vital step in protecting children and young adults from a life-threatening illness.
“UNICEF is supporting rapid vaccine deployment, community engagement, and planning alongside Gavi, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health,” she said.
READ ALSO:Nigeria approaching peak meningitis season says NCDC
WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, added: “The Men5CV vaccine is critical to Nigeria’s long-term health security. We are committed to supporting the government to prevent future outbreaks and protect future generations.”
Gavi funds global stockpiles of vaccines for cholera, Ebola, meningitis, and yellow fever. These vaccines are available to all countries and support emergency responses in low-income settings.
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision approved Nigeria’s March 2025 request for over 1.5 million doses of Men5CV. UNICEF is overseeing vaccine delivery.
Meningococcal meningitis — an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord — is endemic across the African meningitis belt, which spans 26 countries.
CREDIT; GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER