Meningitis is an infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common cause but bacterial meningitis is much more serious due to its rapid onset and poses a significant risk of death. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis.
The use of the MenAfriVac® vaccine to prevent meningitis A epidemics in the African Region is one of the greatest vaccination success stories in public health history and highlights what partners can accomplish when unified by a compelling cause.
In 2014, the MenAfriVac® campaigns reached more than 63 million people with remarkable success. In all, over 217 million people between one and 29 years of age have benefited from the vaccine since 2010.
This unprecedented achievement is due to the overall availability, safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. MenAfriVac® is incredibly stable – being the first vaccine to be used with the controlled temperature chain (CTC) approach. This has allowed its transport and storage for as long as 4 days in ambient temperatures up to 40°C.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends the conjugate meningitis A vaccine MenAfriVac® to be introduced in routine immunization schedules in sub-Saharan Africa. This recommendation ensures that infants are protected against meningitis and population-wide immunity is maintained.