Nigeria becomes First Country to Introduce 5-in-1 Meningitis Vaccine

In March of 2024, Nigeria took a historic step in healthcare, becoming the first country to introduce the Meningitis vaccine. 

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe and potentially life-threatening form. Most forms of meningitis can be transmitted from one person to another.

Meningitis typically presents with symptoms such as headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and altered mental status.

Meningitis in Nigeria

The condition Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In Nigeria, meningitis poses a significant public health challenge, with outbreaks occurring periodically, particularly during the dry season. The country is located within the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is endemic.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of meningitis in Nigeria. These include overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare services in certain regions. Additionally, climate conditions such as dust storms and low humidity create an environment conducive to the spread of the bacteria responsible for meningitis.

The Meningitis Vaccine

A million doses of the Men5 vaccine arrived the country on the 9th of April, making Nigeria the first beneficiary. The vaccine protects against 5 strains of the meningococcus bacteria (A, C, W, Y and X) in one shot.

These vaccination activities, funded by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, are part of efforts to combat Meningitis outbreak in endemic countries. Nigeria is one of 26, including countries like Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea.

According to WHO, Between 1 October 2022 and 16 April 2023, Nigeria reported a total of 1686 suspected cases of meningitis, including 124 deaths, for a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 7%

This occurred in 81 local government areas (LGAs) in 22 out of 36 administrative states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Nigeria.

According to the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus, the vaccine rollout in Nigeria brings us one step closer to the goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.

Check out this article on how NucleusIS helps tackle hospital bed capacity crisis in Nigeria.