The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a mass vaccination campaign in Niger’s Niamey region to combat an ongoing meningitis outbreak.
According to the WHO, more than 2,000 cases were recorded in one week last month, resulting in 123 deaths.
In a statement made public on the organisation’s website on Friday, stated that the recent surge in cases represents a 50 per cent increase from last year, with a mortality rate exceeding six per cent.
Niger is one of 26 African countries where meningitis is endemic, and the disease persistently poses a high risk in the so-called African meningitis belt.
The focus of the outbreak is the Niamey region, with an infection rate of more than 52 cases per 100,000 people. Other regions such as Agadez, Zinder, and Dosso also require urgent intervention to confront high infection rates.
In response to the epidemic, the WHO is collaborating with various technical and financial partners to provide a new vaccine. This single-dose vaccine protects against five strains of the infection, unlike previous jabs. The UN health agency emphasised the urgency of the situation and the need for swift intervention to protect at-risk communities.
The vaccination campaign began on Thursday, and the WHO is working to ensure that the new vaccine reaches those in need. The organization’s efforts aim to curb the spread of meningitis and prevent further loss of life in the affected regions.
“The recent surge in meningitis cases in Niger is deeply concerning. The WHO is committed to working with our partners to ensure that the new vaccine reaches those most at risk,” said a spokesperson for the WHO.
