Why did meningitis C and measles outbreaks occur in Niger?

Niger faced multiple outbreaks of meningitis C and measles—both deadly and highly contagious diseases. While vaccination should have prevented these outbreaks, each case presents unique challenges.

In the case of meningitis, there is no affordable and effective vaccine for all serogroups of the disease. Additionally, global vaccine shortages—driven by pharmaceutical companies’ limited interest in these markets—mean vaccines are only administered reactively once an outbreak is declared. These delays hinder the implementation of effective vaccination campaigns.

Meanwhile, despite the measles vaccine being part of routine immunization programs since 1974, vaccination coverage remains insufficient to stop disease transmission.

Has the situation for meningitis C improved this year in the region?

The year was relatively calm in the so-called African meningitis belt. However, a critical vaccine shortage persists. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, which manages low-production vaccines for equitable distribution, aimed to stockpile five million doses of the meningitis C vaccine this year. This target was not met, leaving vaccination efforts reactive rather than preventive.

Why is there a vaccine shortage for meningitis?