Nigeria Receives New MenFive Meningitis Vaccine to Combat Deadly Disease
In a groundbreaking development, Nigeria has become the first country to receive the new MenFive meningitis vaccine from the Vaccine Alliance-funded global stockpile. The United Nations Children’s Fund delivered the shipment, marking a significant milestone in the fight against this deadly disease.
Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted through respiratory and throat secretions, leading to severe complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb loss, and even death. The disease can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The African meningitis belt, spanning from Senegal to Ethiopia, is highly susceptible to meningitis outbreaks, particularly during the dry season. Nigeria, located in this belt, faces a significant risk of meningitis transmission, especially during the months of March and April.
The MenFive vaccine, developed through a collaborative effort between PATH, Serum Institute of India, and the UK government, targets the five main serogroups of meningococcal meningitis prevalent in Africa. This vaccine, which received WHO prequalification in July 2023, offers protection against serogroups A, C, W, Y, and X, making it a vital tool in combating the disease.
The recent shipment of MenFive doses will be used to respond to an ongoing meningococcus C outbreak in Jigawa state, targeting approximately one million children in six local government areas. This initiative, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to curb the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
Dr. Tokunbo Oshin, Director of High Impact Countries at Gavi, emphasized the importance of innovative vaccines like MenFive in combating infectious diseases worldwide. He highlighted the success of previous vaccination campaigns in eliminating meningitis A outbreaks in Africa and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the MenFive vaccine.
Gavi’s support for a multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine program signals a new chapter in the fight against meningitis, with plans to roll out the MenFive vaccine through outbreak response, routine immunization, and catch-up campaigns in high-risk countries. This strategic approach aims to build on past successes in eradicating meningitis A and offers hope for defeating other circulating serogroups in the future.
As the global community continues to combat infectious diseases, the introduction of the MenFive vaccine represents a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable populations and preventing devastating outbreaks. Nigeria’s proactive response to the meningitis threat sets a precedent for other countries to follow in the fight against this deadly disease.
