Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Amope Oniroyin
Published on 2024-03-06 18:18:00
Nigeria has made a significant breakthrough in global health by becoming the first country to receive a new vaccine designed to combat meningitis outbreaks. Delivered by UNICEF, the MenFive vaccine, funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, holds promise in addressing the ongoing meningococcus C outbreak in Nigeria.
Developed through a 13-year collaboration between PATH and the Serum Institute of India, with support from the UK government, the MenFive vaccine targets five main strains of meningococcal meningitis, including the elusive serogroup X. This means it can provide vital protection against a range of meningitis strains prevalent in Africa.
Meningitis, a potentially deadly disease that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, poses a significant threat in regions like Africa. Nigeria, particularly in areas such as Jigawa state, has been grappling with outbreaks, leading to severe health concerns.
The deployment of the MenFive vaccine is a milestone in the fight against infectious diseases. Dr. Tokunbo Oshin, Director of High Impact Countries at Gavi, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that innovations like the MenFive vaccine are critical in helping to combat infectious diseases. Thanks to vaccines, large and disruptive outbreaks of meningitis A have been eliminated in Africa. Now, with the MenFive vaccine, there is a tool to combat other strains that still cause harm.
The MenFive vaccine deployment not only aims to address the immediate crisis but also signals a broader initiative to strengthen vaccination efforts in high-risk countries. Gavi’s support for a multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MMCV) program will see the MenFive vaccine integrated into routine immunization programs and outbreak response strategies.
Meningitis outbreaks follow a seasonal pattern, with the dry season from December to June being the most common period for outbreaks. In Africa, this disease belt stretches across 26 countries, including Nigeria, making initiatives like the MenFive vaccine crucial in safeguarding public health.
This milestone highlights the importance of global collaboration and innovation in tackling infectious diseases. As the world faces ongoing health challenges, initiatives like the MenFive vaccine offer hope for a healthier future. The MenFive vaccine represents a significant step forward in addressing meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria and other high-risk countries.
