Nigeria makes history with rollout of new 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine
- April 16, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Nigeria makes history with rollout of new 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine
Subject: Science and tech
Section: Health
Context:
- Nigeria has become the first country globally to introduce Men5CV, a new vaccine endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which protects against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria responsible for meningitis.
Details:
- This new vaccine significantly enhances protection compared to previous vaccines that targeted fewer strains, marking a major advance in the global fight against meningitis.
- It protects against strains A, C, W, Y and X of the meningococcus bacteria, all of which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning.
- The disease, which inflames the brain and spinal cord membranes, can lead to severe health issues including brain damage and hearing loss.
- The introduction of Men5CV is particularly relevant for the “African meningitis belt,” an area spanning 26 countries, including Nigeria, where bacterial meningitis is prevalent. Last year, meningitis cases in Africa surged by 50%, underscoring the urgency for improved vaccination strategies.
- The vaccine rollout contributes to the WHO’s goal of eradicating meningitis by 2030. Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the campaign enhances the vaccine’s accessibility, ensuring broader protection.
- Following a recent outbreak in Nigeria, which led to numerous cases and deaths, a targeted vaccination campaign was launched, aiming to immunize over a million people between the ages of 1 and 29. This step could significantly reduce the incidence of the disease and prevent future outbreaks.
- The outbreak occurred across seven out of Nigeria’s 36 states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe and Zamfara.
“African meningitis belt”
Meningitis:
- Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.
- The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Other causes may include:
- cancer
- fungi
- drug-induced reactions
- Transmission: Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing and coughing.
- Symptoms:
- Common symptoms of meningitis are neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
- Less frequent symptoms are seizures, coma and neurological deficits (for example hearing or vision loss, cognitive impairment, or weakness of the limbs).
- Types of meningitis caused by viruses or bacteria can have similar symptoms. Symptoms may be stronger in some types of meningitis than in others and require different treatments.
- Treatment and Prevention:
- Meningitis is a medical emergency. It is potentially fatal within 24 hours and requires urgent medical attention.
- Meningitis can vary in severity, appropriate treatment and care depending on the cause. Meningitis caused by bacteria requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
- Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis.
- Antibiotics for close contacts of those with meningococcal disease, when given promptly, decrease the risk of transmission.
Source: DTE