Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the meninges, which are the thin membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Meningitis is often characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting, and stiff neck.
According to reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the world’s first vaccine for meningitis called Men5CV, which protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria, unlike the initial vaccine that works against only one strain. As of October 2023 – March 2024, there have been 1,742 suspected cases of meningitis and 101 confirmed cases, resulting in 153 deaths in Nigeria.
This vaccine (Men5CV) was developed based on a partnership between PATH and the Serum Institute of India and was financed by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It will be administered to people aged 1-29 years, particularly in northern Nigeria.
