GAVI partners help protect 50 million young people from seasonal meningitis in Africa

Efforts to eliminate meningitis in 26 at-risk countries will take a major step forward over the next three months as 50 million people receive crucial vaccinations in seven African countries. Thanks to concerted efforts by members of the GAVI Alliance including the Serum Institute of India, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Meningitis Vaccine Project, the seven countries will be able to launch large-scale campaigns to ensure babies, children and young adults receive the meningitis A vaccine by the end of December. “Meningitis takes a terrible toll on the people living in vulnerable parts of Africa every year. It is a painful disease which can kill quickly and often leaves victims with disabilities that will blight their lives,” said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI Alliance. “GAVI support for meningitis vaccination campaigns across Africa is protecting the lives of millions of young people at risk from the illness.” “Meningitis Belt” The...