In a critical step to tackle the rising meningitis outbreak in the northern part of the country, Nigeria has received over 1 million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV). These vaccines, supplied from a Gavi-funded global stockpile, aim to combat meningitis serogroups C and W, which have already claimed more than 70 lives and affected over 800 people across 23 states.
The Ministry of Health announced that this first shipment will support an emergency vaccination campaign targeting individuals aged 1 to 29 years—the most vulnerable age group. The campaign will begin in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with Yobe to follow as more doses arrive.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, said the arrival of the vaccines marks a major milestone in the country’s health response.
“This shows our dedication to protecting Nigerians, especially our children, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
Dr. Pate emphasized Nigeria’s broader goal to improve epidemic preparedness and health security, with help from global partners like Gavi, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is funding the vaccines and their delivery through the International Coordinating Group (ICG), which has approved the deployment of 1.5 million doses in total for Nigeria. These doses are delivered by UNICEF and coordinated for effective rollout.
According to Gavi’s Head of High-Impact Outbreaks, Francisco Luquero,
“We’ve successfully eliminated meningitis A in Africa’s meningitis belt. Now, with the Men5CV vaccine, we’re going further to fight other deadly strains and bring us closer to ending meningitis by 2030.”
What makes Men5CV a game-changer?
Approved by the WHO in 2023, Men5CV protects against five major strains of meningococcal bacteria. It offers a broader shield, especially for countries in Africa’s “meningitis belt,” where outbreaks are severe during dry seasons.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, described the vaccine’s arrival as a “crucial moment,” highlighting their role in engaging communities and ensuring rapid distribution.
“Every child deserves protection from life-threatening diseases like meningitis,” she said.
WHO’s Nigeria representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, echoed this, stating:
“This vaccine strengthens both our current response and our future health security. We’re committed to walking with Nigeria every step of the way.”
Meningococcal meningitis, which attacks the brain and spinal cord lining, often causes long-term complications such as deafness, seizures, and even amputations in survivors. The risk is especially high for infants, children, and young adults.
Since 2010, Gavi and its partners have helped vaccinate over 400 million people across Africa, helping to eliminate meningitis A. With Men5CV, the battle against this disease enters a powerful new phase.
