1 Million Pentavalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines Delivered to Nigeria

Nigeria’s Ministry of Health announced today that it has received over 1,000,000 doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) to combat the meningococcus C and W outbreak in northern Nigeria.

This initial shipment will launch a crucial response campaign targeting individuals aged 1 to 29, the most affected demographic. The campaign will begin in Kebbi and Sokoto States and expand to Yobe State as more vaccine doses arrive.

As of April 4, 2025, this meningococcal outbreak has claimed more than 70 lives and affected over 800 individuals across 23 states.

In Africa's 'meningitis belt', seasonal outbreaks are common during the dry season, peaking between March and April due to low humidity and high dust levels.

According to the U.S. CDC, disease rates during epidemics can reach 1% of the local population.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated in a press release, “The arrival of the Men5CV vaccines is a significant milestone in our fight against the meningitis outbreak."

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, funds the global stockpiles of vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis, and yellow fever, accessible to all countries worldwide. 

When visiting Nigeria in 2025, the CDC recommends routine and travel vaccines to prevent polio, measles, yellow fever, and diphtheria infections.