Nigeria has taken the lead in global health efforts by becoming the first country to introduce the new Men5CV vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This vaccine, designed to combat five strains of the meningococcus bacteria, marks a significant milestone in the fight against meningitis.
Funded by Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance- which supports lower-income countries with vaccination programs, this initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to tackling health challenges head-on.
Nigeria, situated within the African Meningitis Belt, is among the 26 countries grappling with hyper-endemic levels of meningitis.
Last year witnessed a staggering 50% surge in meningitis cases across Africa, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, hailed the introduction of the vaccine as a pivotal moment in the fight against meningitis, emphasizing its potential to save lives and prevent future outbreaks.
The rollout of the Men5CV vaccine not only represents a significant leap forward in public health but also aligns with WHO’s global roadmap to eliminate meningitis by 2030.
