In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria has emerged as the first country worldwide to launch a new vaccine, Men5CV, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), offering protection against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria. The rollout, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to address the menace of meningitis in the African nation.

Nigeria, situated within the African Meningitis Belt alongside 25 other hyper-endemic countries, witnessed a significant surge in meningitis cases last year, with a 50% increase reported across the continent. To combat a recent outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, Nigeria initiated a vaccination campaign targeting over one million individuals aged 1-29 years in multiple states.

Meningitis, a severe infection causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, poses grave health risks. The new Men5CV vaccine, offering protection against five major meningococcal strains, marks a significant advancement in preventing and controlling the disease. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, hailed Nigeria’s initiative as a crucial step towards eliminating meningitis by 2030.

The innovative vaccine, developed over 13 years through a partnership between PATH and the Serum Institute of India, received WHO prequalification in July 2023. With Gavi’s allocation of resources, the rollout is set to expand across the Meningitis Belt countries, starting in 2025.

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare emphasized the importance of the new vaccine in curbing outbreaks and advancing towards elimination. The support from community leaders and governmental agencies underscores Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating meningitis.

The introduction of Men5CV signifies a monumental stride in the global fight against meningitis, aligning with WHO’s roadmap to defeat the disease by 2030. As leaders convene in Paris for an international summit on meningitis, Nigeria’s proactive approach sets a precedent for political and financial commitments towards achieving this ambitious goal.

Source by World Health Organisation