Maiduguri, 11 April 2017 - Although, Borno has reported 22 suspected cases of meningitis in 2017, yet no case has been confirmed in the State. Preparedness measures to contain any outbreak have been put in place including prepositioning of additional 7000 doses of ceftriaxone, reactivation of Rapid Response Team, community sensitization and capacity building for surveillance focal points with support from World Health Organization (WHO).

At a press conference organized recently by the Borno State Ministry of Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, the Commissioner for Health, revealed that “in Borno state so far, there is no outbreak of meningitis” adding that measures are being taken to contain any outbreak in case it occurs bearing in mind that outbreaks of meningitis C have been reported in Niger Republic and some northwestern states bordering Borno state.

“Currently in the state, vaccination with MenAfricVac is going in newly accessible settlements in LGAs of Dikwa, Munguno, Ngala, Bama, (in Banki), Mobbar, and Gwoza” said Dr. Mshelia.

He added that arrangements with the military and air force are also in place to extend the exercise to other places not adequately covered during the 2012/2013 MenAfricVac campaign. So far, more than 350,000 have been immunized.

Meningitis epidemic outbreaks are currently reported in northwest states of Nigeria (Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto), northcentral state (Niger), 11 other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among others.

In response, WHO supported the mobilization of 500,000 doses of vaccines through the ICG for vaccination against meningitis C in Zamfara state and additional 800,000 is being mobilized from the British government for vaccination in some of the affected states; provided laboratory diagnostics to all high risk states, mobilized 20,000 doses of ceftriaxone through the ICG for case management in the worse affected states and strengthening surveillance across the country.

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