Why we introduced Meningitis Vaccine – NPHCDA
“Meningitis is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge. Meningitis can be caused by many different pathogens, including viruses and fungi but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis is usually spread through contact with the saliva or nasal secretion of an infected person.
Nigeria has 25 states and the FCT that fall within the meningitis belt. This translates to approximately 26.7 million people aged 1 – 7 years at risk of meningitis in the country.
Vaccines are the only way to prevent serious diseases like meningitis.
We are here today to formally launch the introduction of the Meningitis A vaccine into the national RI schedule. Today’s event marks another giant stride in improving the health status of our children. The introduction of Men A vaccine into the EPI schedule will provide protection against Neisseria Meningitidis Serotype A.
The NPHCDA and partners have trained health workers all over the country to administer this vaccine safely together with other RI vaccines. All health facilities offering RI henceforth will need to provide Men A vaccine as a single dose injection at 9 months alongside measles and yellow fever vaccines. Just like every other RI currently on the EPI schedule, the Men A vaccine is to be administered free of charge to all eligible children.
I wish to use this opportunity to reassure all Nigerians that Men A vaccine and all other vaccines provided by the FGN is safe, potent, and effective in protecting our children from vaccine preventable diseases.”
Dr. Faisal Shuaib
ED/CEO NPHCDA
