Nigeria Receives Over 1 Million Meningitis Vaccines to Combat Deadly Outbreak
Gavi-Funded Shipment Targets High-Risk Areas in Northern Nigeria
Kebbi, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Ministry of Health has taken delivery of more than 1 million doses of pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-funded global stockpile to combat a deadly meningitis outbreak in northern regions. The outbreak has already resulted in over 70 fatalities and 800 confirmed cases across 23 states.
Seasonal Outbreak Response
The vaccines arrive as Nigeria enters peak meningitis season (December-June), when dry conditions and dust storms create ideal conditions for disease spread. The immunization campaign will initially focus on Kebbi and Sokoto States, with expansion to Yobe State planned as additional doses become available.
Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, stated: “This vaccine deployment marks a crucial step in our outbreak response and aligns with President Tinubu’s health security agenda. We’re grateful for the support from Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF in protecting our most vulnerable populations.”
Global Partnership Against Meningitis
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision has approved 1.5 million Men5CV doses for Nigeria’s outbreak response. UNICEF will facilitate vaccine delivery, while Gavi covers costs for lower-income countries through its global vaccine stockpile program.
“Vaccines eliminated meningitis A from Africa, and now we’re targeting other deadly strains to meet our 2030 elimination goal,” said Francisco Luquero of Gavi.
Meningitis Threat in Africa’s “Belt”
Meningococcal meningitis primarily affects Africa’s 26-country “meningitis belt,” putting 500 million people at risk. The disease causes severe neurological damage in 25% of survivors, including hearing loss, seizures, and limb amputations.
Multi-Agency Response
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Cristian Munduate emphasized: “This campaign protects Nigeria’s children through rapid deployment and community engagement with our government partners.”
WHO’s Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo added: “The Men5CV vaccine represents a breakthrough for Nigeria’s immediate response and long-term health security.”
Vaccine Breakthrough
The WHO-approved Men5CV vaccine protects against five meningococcal strains and represents a significant advancement for high-risk African nations. Since 2017, Gavi-supported programs have eliminated meningitis A in Africa, immunizing 400 million people.
Nigeria made history in March 2024 as the first country to receive Men5CV from global stockpiles. Gavi has deployed 34 million meningitis vaccine doses to 16 countries since 2009.
About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Since 2000, Gavi has vaccinated 1.1 billion children and prevented 18.8 million deaths worldwide. The public-private partnership focuses on immunization access, health system strengthening, and outbreak prevention through innovative technologies and financing.
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