By Mohammed Bello Doka
Nigeria has made history in global health by becoming the first country to introduce the newly recommended 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine, Men5CV, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the fight against meningitis, particularly in the African Meningitis Belt, where Nigeria stands as one of the 26 hyper-endemic countries.
The Men5CV vaccine offers protection against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria—A, C, W, Y, and X—making it more comprehensive than previous vaccines which targeted only one strain. Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, this rollout comes at a crucial time as meningitis cases surge across Africa, with a reported 50% increase in 2023 alone.
In response to a specific outbreak in Nigeria, which resulted in over 1,700 suspected cases and 153 deaths, a vital vaccination campaign was initiated in late March 2024, initially reaching over a million people aged 1-29 in the most affected states.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, hailed the introduction of the Men5CV vaccine as a pivotal moment in the global effort to eliminate meningitis by 2030, citing its potential to prevent outbreaks and save lives. Nigeria's Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, commended the country's readiness and community support for the vaccine's introduction, highlighting the active involvement of local leaders like the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa, who personally spearheaded the vaccination campaign.
This significant advancement not only addresses the urgent needs stemming from recent outbreaks but also establishes Nigeria as a frontrunner in global health security, laying the groundwork for future immunization expansions to combat this deadly disease further.
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