Nigeria has received over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) from the Gavi-funded global stockpile to combat a meningitis outbreak in the northern regions. The outbreak has resulted in at least 74 deaths and over 800 reported cases across 23 of Nigeria's 36 states.

Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate emphasized that the arrival of these vaccines is a significant milestone in Nigeria's response to the current meningitis outbreak, reflecting the government's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

The vaccination campaign will target individuals aged 1 to 29 years, the group most severely affected by the outbreak. It will initially launch in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with plans to expand to Yobe State as additional doses arrive.

Meningitis is more prevalent during Nigeria's dry season, which runs from December to June, peaking between March and April when low humidity and high dust levels prevail. The disease affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and poses a significant public health challenge in the country.

Nigeria is part of the African Meningitis Belt and has experienced significant outbreaks in the past. Between 2022 and 2023, the country recorded 2,765 suspected cases and 190 deaths. The government is working to implement a roadmap approved by the World Health Assembly in 2020, aiming to eliminate meningitis by 2030.