Nigeria has received over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-funded global stockpile to combat the ongoing meningitis C and W outbreak in the northern region.
With over 800 reported cases and more than 70 fatalities across 23 states, this emergency shipment is expected to play a crucial role in curbing the spread of the disease.
The dry season, from December to June, is known to trigger seasonal meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria, with peak transmission occurring between March and April due to low humidity and high dust levels. This first batch of vaccines will enable an outbreak response campaign targeting individuals aged 1 to 29 years, the group most severely affected by the outbreak. The campaign will initially launch in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with plans to expand to Yobe State once additional doses arrive.
Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate described the arrival of the Men5CV vaccines as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s response. “This delivery reflects our commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to safeguard the health and well-being of all Nigerians, especially children and most vulnerable young people. Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach, we have prioritised epidemic preparedness and rapid response as part of our broader health security agenda. We appreciate the support of Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in making this swift deployment possible. Together, we are not only containing today’s outbreak but also laying the foundation to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunisation for the future,” he stated.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, funds global stockpiles of vaccines for cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever, ensuring that lower-income countries have access to emergency vaccine supplies. It also supports the cost of procurement, delivery and outbreak response campaigns, as well as preventive and routine immunisation programmes. The use of these stockpiles is managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, with UNICEF overseeing vaccine delivery. In response to Nigeria’s request in March 2025, the ICG approved the deployment of over 1.5 million Men5CV doses.
Gavi’s head of high-impact outbreaks, Francisco Luquero highlighted the effectiveness of vaccines in eliminating meningitis A from Africa’s meningitis belt. “Now, vaccines are helping combat other serogroups of this deadly and debilitating disease, bringing us closer to our goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030. Continued investment is critical to protecting the incredible progress made so far, controlling future outbreaks, and reducing the devastating impact of seasonal epidemics,” he said.
Meningococcal meningitis is a severe infection of the meninges, the thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It primarily affects Africa’s ‘meningitis belt,’ a region spanning 26 countries from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, with a population of 500 million at risk. Infants, children, and young adults are the most vulnerable to the disease. One in four survivors suffers permanent disabilities, including hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, and cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with vision, speech, memory and communication. Some survivors also experience scarring and limb amputations. Epidemics typically occur during the dry season, lasting two to three years.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, emphasised the importance of vaccine deployment in stopping the outbreak. “Every child deserves protection from life-threatening diseases like meningitis. The arrival of the Men5CV vaccine is a critical step in safeguarding Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, particularly children and young adults who are at the highest risk. UNICEF is proud to support the government in ensuring rapid vaccine deployment, community engagement and response planning. We are working alongside Gavi, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare to strengthen immunisation efforts in Nigeria,” he said.
WHO country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo also underscored the significance of the vaccine’s arrival. “As Nigeria continues to combat the current meningitis outbreak, the Men5CV vaccine provides a much-needed boost to our response efforts. From research and development to delivery, bringing this vaccine to Nigeria has been a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, WHO, Gavi and other partners. While addressing the ongoing outbreak, the vaccine is also crucial for Nigeria’s long-term health security, helping prevent future outbreaks and safeguard generations to come,” he stated.
Over the years, Gavi has partnered with countries to support meningitis A vaccination, reaching over 400 million children and young adults through mass campaigns and routine immunisation programs. As a result, Africa has successfully eliminated meningitis A, with no new cases detected since 2017.
The introduction of the Men5CV vaccine, approved by WHO in 2023, marks a significant advancement in the fight against meningitis, offering protection against the five major serogroups of the meningococcus bacteria. Since 2024, Gavi has supported countries in the meningitis belt in deploying Men5CV for outbreak response, integrating it into routine immunisation programmes and conducting preventive mass campaigns in high-risk areas. Nigeria became the first country to receive the Men5CV vaccine from the global stockpile for outbreak containment in March 2024, marking a critical milestone in combating the disease.
By the end of 2024, the global meningococcal vaccine stockpile had been accessed 68 times by 16 countries since its establishment in 2009, with over 34 million doses deployed worldwide. With continued support from Gavi, WHO, and other health partners, Nigeria aims to strengthen its immunisation strategies, expand vaccine coverage, and work toward the global goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
The ongoing response efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving health security in Nigeria. By ensuring rapid outbreak containment and enhancing routine immunisation coverage, the country is taking significant steps toward protecting millions from preventable diseases. The collaboration between international health organisations and the Nigerian government serves as a model for effective epidemic response, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in safeguarding public health.
With additional vaccine shipments expected in the coming weeks, Nigeria is set to scale up its vaccination campaign, ensuring that more communities receive protection against meningitis. The efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent future occurrences reaffirm the importance of sustained investment in immunisation and health system strengthening.
