In a world-first, Nigeria has made a historic stride in global health by introducing a new 5-in-1 vaccine, Men5CV, against meningitis. This revolutionary vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), protects against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
The Menace of Meningitis
Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is a serious infection that can lead to severe complications and even death. Nigeria, located within the African Meningitis Belt, is one of the 26 hyper-endemic countries for meningitis. Last year, a 50% increase in annual meningitis cases was reported across Africa¹. In Nigeria alone, an outbreak led to 1742 suspected meningitis cases, including 101 confirmed cases and 153 deaths.
The Power of Men5CV
The Men5CV vaccine is a game-changer in the fight against meningitis. It offers protection against five major strains of the meningococcus bacteria – A, C, W, Y, and X. This provides broader protection than the current vaccine used in much of Africa, which is only effective against the A strain. The new vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce meningitis cases and advance progress in defeating meningitis.
The Rollout
To combat the deadly outbreak, a vaccination campaign was undertaken in March 2024, aiming to initially reach more than one million people aged 1-29 years. The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which funds the global meningitis vaccine stockpile and supports lower-income countries with routine vaccination against meningitis.
A Beacon of Hope
The introduction of the Men5CV vaccine marks a significant milestone in global health. As the first country to roll out this vaccine, Nigeria is leading the way in the fight against meningitis. This initiative not only aims to control the current outbreak but also sets the country on a path to eliminating this deadly disease.
The Men5CV vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of meningitis, preventing future outbreaks, and saving many lives. It brings us one step closer to our goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
Sources:
(1) In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-04-2024-in-world-first–nigeria-introduces-new-5-in-1-vaccine-against-meningitis.
(2) Nigeria first country to introduce ‘revolutionary’ meningitis vaccine …. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148526.
(3) Meningitis – World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis.
(4) Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals – World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases/meningitis.
(5) Five things you need to know about the world’s latest weapon against …. https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/five-things-you-need-know-about-worlds-latest-weapon-against-bacterial-meningitis.
(6) Meningococcal vaccine support – GAVI. https://www.gavi.org/types-support/vaccine-support/meningitis-a.
(7) In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis. https://pmnch.who.int/news-and-events/news/item/12-04-2024-in-world-first-nigeria-introduces-new-5-in-1-vaccine-against-meningitis.
(8) In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-04-2024-in-world-first–nigeria-introduces-new-5-in-1-vaccine-against-meningitis.
(9) Nigeria first country to introduce ‘revolutionary’ meningitis vaccine …. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148526.
(10) In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis. https://pmnch.who.int/news-and-events/news/item/12-04-2024-in-world-first-nigeria-introduces-new-5-in-1-vaccine-against-meningitis.
