The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has received over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-funded global stockpile to combat the ongoing meningitis outbreak in northern Nigeria.
In a joint statement released Friday by Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, it was revealed that the first shipment will support an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged 1 to 29 years—the most affected demographic.
The campaign will initially launch in Kebbi and Sokoto States, with expansion plans for Yobe as more doses arrive.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Nigeria has recorded 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths from 22 states as of March 26, 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate of 9.2%.
Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate described the arrival of the vaccines as a “crucial milestone” under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening epidemic preparedness and routine immunisation.
UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate and WHO Country Representative Dr Walter Mulombo also praised the collaborative efforts, noting that the Men5CV vaccine is essential not just for stopping the current outbreak but also for long-term prevention and health security.
Meningitis remains a serious and deadly disease, particularly when caused by bacterial infection. The new vaccines are expected to bolster Nigeria’s immunisation response and help safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children and young adults.