Nigeria has received over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from Gavi to combat a meningitis outbreak in the country’s northern region. The outbreak has already claimed nearly 80 lives and affected more than 800 people across 23 states.
Seasonal meningitis outbreaks are common in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season from December to June, when dust and low humidity increase the spread of the disease. This year, the outbreak has been especially severe, with cases peaking between March and April. In response, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) approved the deployment of over 1.5 million Men5CV doses after Nigeria’s request in March 2025.
The first batch of vaccines will support a targeted outbreak response campaign aimed at individuals aged 1 to 29, the group most severely affected. The vaccination campaign will begin in Kebbi and Sokoto States, with plans to expand to Yobe State as more doses arrive.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, emphasized that the arrival of the vaccines is a significant step in the fight against the meningitis outbreak. He noted that this action aligns with the country’s health agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes epidemic preparedness and rapid response. Pate also expressed gratitude to Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF for their support in ensuring the swift deployment of the vaccines.
Meningococcal meningitis, an infection that affects the meninges—the thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord—is most common in Africa’s “meningitis belt,” which stretches across 26 countries from Senegal to Ethiopia. The disease primarily impacts infants, children, and young adults. Even with treatment, one in four survivors of meningitis suffers permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, vision problems, and difficulty with speech and communication.
The arrival of the Men5CV vaccines marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to control the current outbreak and strengthen immunization strategies for the future.
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