Meningitis is one of the deadliest diseases in the world and has claimed countless lives over the years. However, the good news is that 16 African countries have eradicated Meningitis A.

This is an incredible achievement that should be celebrated, and here we take a closer look at how this was achieved.

What is Meningitis A?

Meningitis is an infection that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria and viruses that can enter the body through the nose and mouth and travel to the brain.

Meningitis A specifically is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A and has been responsible for many epidemics in the African region.

The impact of Meningitis A

Meningitis A is highly contagious and can be fatal. It can cause severe and long-term disability and can even lead to death within hours of the onset of symptoms.

The disease not only affects the health of individuals, but also impacts entire communities and economies as a whole, due to the high cost of treatment and the loss of productivity.

The meningitis A vaccine

The meningitis A vaccine was developed by PATH, a global health non-profit, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations.

It was specifically designed to tackle the epidemic in the African region, where Meningitis A was responsible for the majority of outbreaks.

The vaccine, which is known as MenAfriVac, was a game-changer in the fight against Meningitis A. It was affordable, effective, and easy to administer, making it accessible to the most vulnerable populations in Africa.

The vaccine was first introduced in Burkina Faso in 2010, and since then, it has been introduced in 26 African countries.

The success of MenAfriVac

Since the introduction of MenAfriVac, there has been a significant decrease in the number of Meningitis A cases across the African region.

According to WHO, there were no reported cases of Meningitis A in 16 African countries in 2019, which is a testament to the success of the vaccine. In addition, the number of reported cases across the entire African region has dropped significantly, from almost 30,000 in 2010 to fewer than 100 in 2019.

The impact of MenAfriVac on Africa

MenAfriVac has had a massive impact on the African region, where Meningitis A was once a major cause of illness and death.

The vaccine has helped to save countless lives, reduce the burden of disease, and alleviate the economic impact of the disease on communities and nations.

But the impact of MenAfriVac goes beyond the eradication of Meningitis A. It has also strengthened vaccine delivery systems across Africa and has paved the way for the introduction of other life-saving vaccines.

The way forward

The eradication of Meningitis A in 16 African countries is a remarkable achievement, but there is still work to be done.

There are other strains of Meningitis that continue to cause outbreaks across the African region, and there are other vaccine-preventable diseases that require attention.

There is a need to build on the success of MenAfriVac and to continue to strengthen vaccine delivery systems across Africa.

Resources and funding are needed to ensure that life-saving vaccines are accessible to all, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

The role of global collaboration

The success of MenAfriVac is a testament to the power of global collaboration in tackling health challenges.

The development and introduction of the vaccine would not have been possible without the partnership between PATH, WHO, and other organizations, as well as the support of donor countries and institutions.

The eradication of Meningitis A in 16 African countries is a cause for celebration, but it is also a reminder of the importance of global collaboration in achieving global health goals.

Conclusion

The eradication of Meningitis A in 16 African countries is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. The success of MenAfriVac is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling health challenges.

The impact of the vaccine goes beyond the eradication of Meningitis A and has paved the way for the introduction of other life-saving vaccines.

However, there is still work to be done, and resources and funding are needed to ensure that life-saving vaccines are accessible to all.

Global collaboration is crucial in achieving global health goals, and the success of MenAfriVac is a reminder of the power of partnerships and working towards a common goal.