In a significant move to address the ongoing meningitis outbreak in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has received over one million pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) doses from the Gavi-funded global stockpile. This shipment is part of a broader effort to combat the meningococcus C and W outbreak, which has been particularly severe in the northern regions of the country.
As of March 26, 2025, Nigeria has reported 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, resulting in 74 deaths across 22 states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) noted a Case Fatality Rate of 9.2% during this period. The vaccines will be used to launch an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged one to 29 years, who are among the most severely affected by the disease.
The initial vaccination campaign will focus on Kebbi and Sokoto states, with plans to expand to Yobe State as additional doses become available. This initiative is supported by Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance Nigeria’s health security and protect its most vulnerable populations.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized that the arrival of these vaccines marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s response to the outbreak. He highlighted the government’s commitment to prioritizing epidemic preparedness and rapid response under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The long-term goal is not only to contain the current outbreak but also to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunization efforts in Nigeria157.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, underscored the importance of protecting children and young adults from life-threatening diseases like meningitis. The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, noted that the MenCV5 vaccine is vital for Nigeria’s long-term health security, helping prevent future outbreaks and safeguard future generations
