The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to implement reactive Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) vaccination in states that have crossed epidemic threshold.
The Centre, in its weekly report stated that almost 2000 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported with 269 deaths in 15 states across Nigeria.
The report revealed that, confirmed cases are being treated at identified treatment centres in two states (Zamfara and Katsina) as necessary supportive management also instituted and request has been made to the NPHCDA for reactive vaccination campaign in Zamfara State.
It revealed that, “173 suspected CSM cases with seven laboratory confirmed cases and 17 deaths were reported from 32 LGAs in 12 states compared with 65 cases with five laboratory confirmed cases and three deaths from 13 LGAs in seven states during the same period in 2016.
“Between weeks 1 and 52, 2016, 831 suspected CSM cases with 43 laboratory confirmed cases and 33 deaths were recorded from 154 LGAs in 30 States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) compared with 2,711 suspected cases and 131 deaths from 170 LGAs in 28 States and FCT during the same period in 2015,” it reads.
It however disclosed that efforts put in by the States over the years were noticeable and highly commendable, particularly in the face of limited resources.
The report further recommended that State Governments take ownership of outbreak management and response activities in the State while working with partners and other stakeholders in a collaborative manner.
It says, “The NCDC will continue to provide support; in every way it can, as we all work towards achieving a surveillance system that will effectively protect the health of Nigerians.”
The Centre also suggested that since Meningitis is airborne, and can also be contacted through respiratory secretions, proper ventilation, sanitation and personal hygiene are key to prevention.
