Nigeria is the First Country to Implement the Men5CV Vaccine Recommended by WHO

Nigeria has taken a step forward in global health by being the first country to implement a new World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended vaccine, Men5CV, targeting 5 strains of the meningococcus bacteria. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat meningitis, particularly in Africa's "Meningitis Belt," where Nigeria is among the 26 hyper-endemic countries. The roll-out began amid an outbreak that resulted in 153 deaths from over 1,700 suspected cases in several Nigerian states.¹

The vaccine campaign targets over a million people aged 1-29 in the affected regions, representing an advancement in the fight against a disease known for its rapid and severe consequences, including brain and spinal cord inflammation and potential death within 24 hours. Men5CV is expected to provide more comprehensive protection than the previous vaccine, which only targeted one strain, potentially reducing meningitis cases significantly across affected regions.

The development and deployment of Men5CV have been supported by international collaborations and funding, notably from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the UK government. This support is part of a larger global strategy to eliminate meningitis by 2030, as outlined in the WHO's global meningitis roadmap launched in 2019. The roadmap includes goals such as reducing the number of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis cases and deaths by 50% and 70%, respectively, and decreasing disability resulting from the disease.

Previous reporting from Contagion states, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this vaccine safeguards against the bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease, offering protection from infections affecting the brain and spinal cord lining, and bloodstream infections. Additionally, it helps prevent long-term disabilities commonly associated with surviving meningococcal disease.²

“Meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections can be very serious, even deadly. The infections progress quickly. Someone can go from being healthy to very ill in 48 hours or less,” according to the CDC. “Even if they get treatment, about 10 to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease will die from it. Up to 1 in 5 survivors will have long-term disabilities, including loss of limbs, deafness, nervous system problems, and brain damage.”²

The recent vaccine campaign in Nigeria addresses immediate health crises and contributes to long-term global health security by aiming to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics. The success of this program could serve as a model for similar health initiatives worldwide, highlighting the critical role of innovation and international cooperation in global disease prevention and management.

References

1. WHO. In world first, Nigeria Introduces New 5-in-1 Vaccine Against Meningitis. Published April 12, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-04-2024-in-world-first--nigeria-introduces-new-5-in-1-vaccine-against-meningitis
2. Abene S. Increased Risk for Disabilities After Childhood Bacterial Meningitis. ContagionLive. Published January 22, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/increased-risk-for-of-disabilities-after-childhood-bacterial-meningitis