WHO launches drive to fight bacterial meningitis in Africa
The World Health Organization says it is launching a $1.5 billion campaign, hopefully including a new vaccine, to eliminate outbreaks of bacterial meningitis across Africa by 2030
By FARAI MUTSAKA
Published - Sep 09, 2022, 10:39 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 24, 2023, 11:59 AM EDT
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — The World Health Organization on Thursday said it is launching a $1.5 billion campaign, hopefully including a new vaccine, to eliminate outbreaks of bacterial meningitis across Africa by 2030.
Meningitis vaccinations for more than 50 million children in Africa have been delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting fears of a resurgence of the deadly disease.
In “a race against time,” WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said that “a next generation” vaccine against meningitis will be rolled out in 26 African countries most affected by the disease.
She said WHO hopes to authorize the vaccine by the first quarter of 2023, which would then enable donors to buy it for Africa.
