Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country globally to introduce a new meningitis vaccine, Men5CV, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The rollout of Men5CV is a significant step forward, particularly for countries like Nigeria, where multiple meningitis serogroups are prevalent. Developed with the same technology as the highly successful meningitis A conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac®), which eradicated meningococcal A epidemics in Nigeria, Men5CV offers broad protection against five major strains of meningococcal bacteria in a single shot.
Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Men5CV’s introduction marks a crucial advancement in the fight against meningitis. With the potential to drastically reduce meningitis cases and mortality rates, this new vaccine represents a monumental achievement in public health.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized the transformative impact of Men5CV, stating that it has the power to alter the course of meningitis outbreaks and save countless lives.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare highlighted the importance of the vaccine’s introduction, especially in regions severely affected by meningitis outbreaks.
The collaboration between PATH, the Serum Institute of India, and funding from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office played a pivotal role in developing Men5CV.
Nigeria’s proactive approach in adopting this groundbreaking vaccine underscores its commitment to eliminating meningitis by 2030 and safeguarding public health.
