The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has received more than one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) to fight the ongoing outbreak of meningitis serogroups C and W in northern Nigeria.
The vaccines, funded by the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, were delivered from the global stockpile and are aimed at halting the spread of the disease, particularly among individuals aged one to 29 years, who have been identified as the most affected demographic.
According to a joint statement released on Friday by Gavi, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the first shipment of doses will be used in an outbreak response campaign beginning in Kebbi and Sokoto states. Yobe State is also expected to be included as more doses arrive.
As of March 26, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and 74 deaths across 22 states. The case fatality rate currently stands at 9.2 percent.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, described the arrival of the Men5CV vaccine as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health response. He highlighted its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s broader commitment to epidemic preparedness and health security.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, emphasized the need to protect children from life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis, stressing that rapid deployment of vaccines and community engagement are critical to stopping the outbreak.
WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, added that the Men5CV vaccine is not only vital for managing the current health emergency but also essential for long-term prevention and strengthening Nigeria’s health security.
The vaccine rollout is being carried out in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other partners involved in strengthening immunization services across the country.
