The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced the arrival of over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) to help tackle the ongoing meningitis outbreak in northern Nigeria. The vaccines were received from the Gavi-funded global stockpile, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
According to a joint statement released on Friday, the vaccine shipment will power an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged 1 to 29 years, the most affected age group. The campaign will initially roll out in Kebbi and Sokoto States, and later extend to Yobe State as more doses become available.
The move comes amid rising concerns over the spread of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM). As of March 26, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths across 22 states, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2%.
The Men5CV vaccine offers broader protection against multiple strains of the meningococcus bacteria, including serogroups A, C, W, Y, and X, making it a critical tool in controlling the current outbreak and preventing future surges.
Health authorities have urged residents in affected areas to cooperate with health workers and participate in the upcoming vaccination campaigns as Nigeria ramps up efforts to contain the deadly outbreak.
Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the significance of the Men5CV vaccine’s arrival in Nigeria’s strategy to manage the ongoing meningitis outbreak. He stated, “This marks an important milestone in our efforts, reflecting our commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to safeguard the health of all Nigerians, especially our vulnerable children and youth.”
Source