A perspective on the novel pentavalent Men5CV (NmCV-5) meningitis vaccine and Nigeria's pioneering rollout campaign

Abstract

The burden of meningitis poses great challenges for neurology and global health, manifesting with a range of symptoms from mild fever and headaches, to severe long term complications such as paralysis and cognitive impairment.. Unfortunately, those living in endemic regions, especially survivors, are often confronted with the harsh reality of reduced quality of life as measured by disability-adjusted life years. Meningitis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, especially in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, with a recorded disease burden of over 2.5 million cases globally and children under five disproportionately impacted. This paper examines the global burden of meningitis, exploring its prevalence and impact across different regions. It further analyzes the evolution of vaccination strategies for meningitis prevention, emphasizing the recent development and introduction of the novel Men5CV meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Recurrent meningitis outbreaks across the meningitis belt have resulted in significant mortality over decades. A major turning point in the fight against the serogroup A epidemic was the development of the MenAfriVac vaccine, which resulted in declining cases. However, serogroups C, W, and X continue to pose problems. The novel pentavalent (Men5CV) vaccine has emerged as a remarkable advancement in the fight against meningitis, with its safety and effectiveness against a variety of serogroups, including the elusive serogroup X, demonstrated in clinical trials. Its pre-qualification by the World Health Organization (WHO), and subsequent recommendation for incorporation into routine immunization programs issued a new era with the potential for meningitis eradication. Nigeria now sets a benchmark for other nations in the meningitis zone, becoming the first country in the world to roll out the new Men5CV vaccines. Funding from organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlights the importance of coordinated international efforts aligned with the WHO's roadmap for meningitis elimination by 2030. Stakeholder involvement, extensive immunization campaigns, and a strong healthcare infrastructure are all practical recommendations for public health integration.

Keywords: Men5CV; Meningitis; Meningococcal conjugate vaccine; Meningococcal disease; Vaccination.