Nigeria has received over one million doses of meningitis vaccines to help stop the ongoing outbreak that has killed more than 70 people and infected over 800 others across 23 states.
The vaccine, called pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV), was supplied from a global emergency stockpile funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The current outbreak is being caused by meningococcus C and W strains, which are more active during the dry season, especially between March and April, when dust levels are high and humidity is low.
The vaccines will be used for an emergency campaign targeting people between ages 1 and 29, who are most at risk. The first round of vaccinations will begin in Kebbi and Sokoto states, and will later extend to Yobe as more doses arrive.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the arrival of the vaccines marks a “crucial milestone” in the country’s response to meningitis.
“This reflects our commitment under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to protect the health of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable,” Pate said.
“With support from Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, we are not only containing today’s outbreak but also laying the foundation to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunisation.”
Francisco Luquero, Head of High-Impact Outbreaks at Gavi, said earlier campaigns had successfully removed meningitis A from most parts of Africa’s meningitis belt.
“Now we are expanding efforts to tackle other deadly strains. Continued investment is critical to protecting progress, controlling outbreaks, and reducing the impact of this disease on families and communities,” Luquero stated.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, described the vaccine delivery as a major step in protecting young Nigerians from a life-threatening illness.
“UNICEF is supporting rapid vaccine deployment, community engagement, and planning alongside Gavi, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Federal Ministry of Health,” she added.
Also speaking, WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, stressed the importance of the Men5CV vaccine.
“The Men5CV vaccine is critical to Nigeria’s long-term health security. We are committed to supporting the government to prevent future outbreaks and protect future generations.”
The vaccine shipment was approved by the International Coordinating Group in March 2025 after Nigeria requested over 1.5 million doses. UNICEF is in charge of delivering the vaccines.
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. It is common in the African meningitis belt, which includes 26 countries.
