Nigeria Launches Men5CV Vaccine Against Meningitis - WHO

On 13th April 2024, WHO announced that Nigeria pioneered global fight against meningitis with rollout of revolutionary Men5CV vaccine, targeting multiple strains prevalent in the country.

Key Points

Global Milestone: Nigeria becomes first country to introduce Men5CV vaccine against meningitis, a significant step in combating the deadly disease.
African Meningitis Hotspot: Nigeria identified as a major hub for meningitis cases in Africa, with a 50% surge in annual cases across 26 hyperendemic countries last year.
Epidemiological Data: From October to mid-March, Nigeria reports 1,742 suspected meningitis cases and 153 deaths across seven states, according to WHO statistics.
Comprehensive Protection: Men5CV vaccine guards against five major meningitis strains prevalent in Nigeria, offering broader immunity compared to previous single-strain vaccines.
Enhanced Coverage: New vaccine addresses limitations of earlier versions by targeting multiple strains, potentially reducing disease burden and fatalities.
Global Health Implications: Nigeria's initiative sets a precedent for other countries battling meningitis, highlighting the importance of comprehensive vaccination strategies.