In a bid to curb the spread of meningitis in the northern region, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health has received more than one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-supported global emergency stockpile.
The delivery comes amid an ongoing outbreak of meningococcus strains C and W, which has already resulted in nearly 80 fatalities and over 800 reported cases across 23 states.
These outbreaks typically occur during the dry season, from December to June, with a peak between March and April due to low humidity and high levels of dust.
Following Nigeria’s request in March 2025, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) authorized the release of more than 1.5 million doses of Men5CV to support the country’s emergency response.
According to a statement issued by Gavi on Friday, the first batch of vaccines will support a targeted campaign focused on individuals aged 1 to 29—the demographic most affected by the outbreak. The campaign will initially roll out in Kebbi and Sokoto States, with expansion to Yobe State once additional vaccine shipments arrive.
Speaking on the development, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, described the vaccine delivery as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against meningitis.
“This milestone demonstrates our commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians, especially children and youth who are most at risk,” Pate said.
“Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and a sector-wide approach, we are enhancing epidemic preparedness and emergency response as part of our national health security priorities.”
He also expressed appreciation to Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF for their continued collaboration, emphasizing that the swift response is helping not only to contain the present outbreak but also to bolster long-term efforts to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunization.
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection affecting the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord.
The disease is widespread in Africa’s “meningitis belt,” which spans 26 countries from Senegal to Ethiopia and affects an estimated 500 million people.
Infants, children, and young adults are especially vulnerable, and approximately one in four survivors suffer lasting health complications, such as hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, and cognitive impairments. Meningitis epidemics tend to occur during the dry season and can last up to three years.
