Nigeria makes history with rollout of new 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine

Nigeria has taken a historic step in the fight against meningitis, becoming the first country in the world to introduce a new, highly effective vaccine. The vaccine, called Men5CV, is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and offers protection against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria in a single shot.

The rollout of the new shot is a significant advancement over previous vaccines, which often only targeted one or two strains. The pioneering use paves the way for other countries to follow suit and future recommendations for broader adoption are likely.

Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, according to United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites and can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities.

Bacterial meningitis, specifically caused by the meningococcus bacteria, is a particular concern in Africa. A region of 26 countries known as the “African meningitis belt” stretches across the continent, including Nigeria. Last year, the number of meningitis cases reported across Africa increased by 50 per cent, according to WHO.

Nigeria’s rollout moves the world one step closer to WHO goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a press statement. “This new vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of the disease, preventing future outbreaks and saving many lives,” he said.

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The new vaccine offers a broader shield than its predecessors. It protects against strains A, C, W, Y and X of the meningococcus bacteria, all of which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. This broader protection is crucial in regions like the meningitis belt, where multiple strains can circulate.

Funding for the vaccine and its rollout comes from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, whose involvement ensures wider accessibility of this life-saving vaccine.

Between October 1, 2023 and March 11, 2024, Nigeria experienced an outbreak of meningitis, resulting in 1.742 suspected cases, 101 confirmed cases confirmed and 153 deaths. The outbreak occurred across seven out of Nigeria’s 36 states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe and Zamfara.

To curb the lethal outbreak, a vaccination campaign was initiated from March 25 to March 28, 2024, aiming to initially cover over one million individuals aged 1 to 29 years.