Nigeria becomes first country to roll out new meningitis vaccine, WHO says

Nigeria has launched the "revolutionary" Men5CV vaccine against meningitis, marking a significant milestone in global health. The country, known as a hotspot for the disease in Africa, is the first worldwide to implement this vaccine. Last year, meningitis cases surged by 50% across 26 African nations, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention. The World Health Organization (WHO) hailed Nigeria's initiative as a crucial step toward achieving the ambitious goal of eradicating meningitis by 2030. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the significance of Nigeria's rollout in combating meningitis. Between October and mid-March this year, Nigeria reported 1,742 suspected cases and 153 deaths in seven states, underscoring the severity of the disease in the region. Unlike previous vaccines targeting only one strain, the Men5CV vaccine offers protection against the five major strains prevalent in Nigeria, enhancing its effectiveness in curbing the spread of meningitis.