Ending Meningitis in Africa’s Belt Through Universal Health Coverage

By Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa

Today, on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, my thoughts turn to a crucial aspect of achieving this global health goal: defeating meningitis by 2030. Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is a life-threatening disease that disproportionately impacts children. In Africa’s “Meningitis Belt,” which stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia, outbreaks are frequent, deadly, and unpredictable—a threat that may be exacerbated by climate change.

Thankfully, we know progress is possible. The introduction of MenAfriVac® – an incredible collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH, the Serum Institute of India, countries in Africa and many other organisations – helped effectively eliminate meningitis A in the Meningitis Belt, where there hasn’t been a reported case since 2017. However, since then, other strains of bacterial meningitis are on the rise.

The good news is that we have a new, effective tool: a pentavalent meningitis vaccinethat has received prequalification from the WHO and has been recommended for use by the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) committee.

Developed with African partners, the vaccine targets five of the most common strains of meningitis on the continent, offering countries a pathway to stop outbreaks, save lives and achieve the goals of the WHO global road map to end meningitis by 2030. Nigeria is leading the way in introducing this vaccine, with more countries likely to follow.

On the eve of UHC Day 2024, Amref Health Africa and Axum hosted an Africa Dialogues session on Achieving a Meningitis-Free Africa. The event brought together leading African voices on meningitis and vaccinations, as well as key global partners supporting country efforts to protect communities from this deadly disease. The dynamic discussion reaffirmed the urgent need for collective action to address this critical public health challenge.

The Road to a Meningitis-Free Future

Achieving a meningitis-free future in Africa’s Meningitis Belt requires a multifaceted approach:

• Surveillance and Response: Reliable data are crucial for early detection and rapid response to meningitis outbreaks. During the session, Dr Fatima Saleh (Director of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) and Professor Samba Sow (Director, Centre for Vaccine Development – Mali) spoke on the importance of local information to guide meningitis response. By investing in laboratories, testing, and vaccine research, countries can better understand the meningitis threat and reach for trusted tools to protect Health for All.
• Strengthening Primary Healthcare: UHC is fundamentally about ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all. This requires strengthening primary healthcare systems, including robust immunisation programmes. During the session, Beth Evans (Senior Programme Manager for Meningitis, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance) underscored the importance of national health systems, which help ensure vaccines reach the communities who need them most.
• Community Engagement: Trust and community engagement are paramount for successful immunisation programmes. In the Africa Dialogues, Omorodion Rhoda Omoile (Regional Coordinator for Africa, Confederation of Meningitis Organizations) reiterated how awareness campaigns help the public understand why meningitis vaccinations matter. This involves building vaccine confidence and supporting communities to take ownership of their health to help defeat meningitis for good.

A Call to Action

I have witnessed firsthand the devastation that meningitis can cause. I lost a family member to this disease at an early age. Later, as a medical professional in Kenya, I cared for children suffering from its debilitating effects. These experiences have fueled my unwavering commitment to ending this disease and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

UHC Day serves as a reminder that achieving universal health coverage requires a collective effort. African governments, civil society, and the private sector must unite to ensure that everyone has access to essential health services, including protection from meningitis. This means scaling access to the pentavalent meningitis vaccine, enhancing surveillance systems, and strengthening community engagement to build trust and increase vaccine uptake.

A United Call for Partnership and Action

On behalf of Amref Health Africa, I call on all stakeholders—governments, development partners, health advocates, and community leaders—to join us in this vital endeavor. By working together, we can save lives and protect the future of Africa’s children. Our focus must be on improving surveillance, scaling access to the pentavalent vaccine, and fostering community engagement. These efforts will enable us to move closer to a future where meningitis is no longer a threat.

Amref Health Africa, in collaboration with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization’s Africa Regional Office, and the Ministry of Health Rwanda, will host the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 in Kigali from 2 to 5 March 2025. This landmark event will convene stakeholders from across the globe to discuss sustainable solutions to health challenges on the continent, including meningitis. We invite partners, decision-makers, and health advocates to join us in Kigali to connect, share ideas, and explore transformative health solutions.

Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.