The Ministry of Health has received more than 1,000,000 doses of the five-body meningococcal conjugated vaccine (MEN5CV) to fight the ongoing meningitis outbreak in northern Nigeria.
A statement on Friday, April 4 confirmed that the vaccine comes from a global reserve funded by GAVI. The epidemic has killed more than 70 people and has reported more than 800 cases in 23 states.
Gavi provides global vaccine stocks for cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever to ensure all countries can enter when needed. The organization also supports vaccine procurement, delivery and outbreak response campaigns in low-income countries, as well as prevention and routine immunization activities.
The International Coordinated Group (ICG) of the International Vaccine Provider oversees the use of global stocks for outbreak responses, approving Nigeria’s requirement to approve more than 1.5 million doses of MEN5CV in March 2025. UNICEF is responsible for delivering these doses to Nigeria.
The first batch of vaccines will be used to launch an outbreak response campaign against individuals aged 1 to 29. The campaign will initially be launched in Kebbi and Sokoto states, and then expand to Yobe State as additional doses arrive.
Minister for Coordination of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate described the arrival of the vaccine as an important step in Nigeria’s response to a meningitis outbreak.
Pat said: “By upgrading the investment plan and the approach of the entire sector in Nigeria, we have prioritized the preparation and rapid response of the pandemic as part of our broader health protection agenda. We thank Garvey for their support, Garvey’s support, and they and UNICEF for promoting this rapid deployment.”
“Together, we not only include today’s outbreaks, but also lay the foundation for eliminating meningitis and strengthening routine immunity in the future.”
Francisco Luquero, head of Gavi’s high-impact outbreak, highlighted the role of the tissue in eliminating meningitis A from the African meningitis belt.
“The ongoing investment in this work is crucial to protect the incredible progress made so far, control future outbreaks and greatly reduce the devastating impact of the seasonal epidemic of meningitis on families and communities,” Lukerow said.
Cristian Munduate, a UNICEF National Representative for Nigeria, stressed the importance of protecting children from life-threatening diseases.
Munduate said: “UNICEF is proud to ensure rapid vaccine deployment, community participation and planning and implementation of responses as well as planning and implementation of responses through ensuring enhanced immunization efforts with the Vaccine Alliance, the National Bureau of Primary Health Care Development and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.”
The arrival of the MEN5CV vaccine is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of outbreaks nationwide and protecting vulnerable populations.
