As Niger grapples with the meningitis epidemic, which has claimed the lives of over 143 people, the vaccination campaign launched in Niamey, the capital of the country, by the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to effect change.
Reports indicate that Nigeriens are anxiously awaiting the onset of the rainy season, as it is believed that it will bring about a significant reduction in the number of meningitis cases.
The disease, which is an infection of the thin lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is widespread in the Sahel region, particularly during the dry, hot season from November to May.
The vaccine provided by the WHO is targeted at individuals aged between 1 and 19. Currently, the country’s capital, Niamey, has the highest incidence of cases, with a cumulative rate of 52.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Agadez and Dosso closely follow Niamey in terms of the number of cases.
“Given the epidemic threshold was reached in three health districts, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Affairs filed a request to the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision to ask for operational support. To respond to the epidemic, a vaccination campaign will be conducted in all five health districts of the region” says Sahabi Assoumane a public health official in the city.
Between 1996 and 1997, a meningitis outbreak claimed 25,000 lives, which was only a tenth of the total number of cases recorded.
