Nigeria Secures 1M Meningitis Vaccine Doses for Outbreak

Over 1 Million Meningitis Vaccines Arrive in Nigeria

​Nigeria has received over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from Gavi’s global stockpile to address a meningitis outbreak primarily affecting the northern region. The outbreak has resulted in at least 74 deaths and over 800 reported cases across 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate emphasized that the arrival of these vaccines is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat the current outbreak and enhance epidemic preparedness as part of the broader health security agenda.

The vaccination campaign will initially target individuals aged 1 to 29, the group most affected by the outbreak, starting in Kebbi and Sokoto States, with plans to expand to Yobe State as additional doses arrive.

Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, is more prevalent during Nigeria’s hot season, which runs from December to June, with peak transmission between March and April.

This initiative is part of Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly’s roadmap aiming to eliminate meningitis by 2030.