First-ever WHO meningitis guidelines timely for epicentre Kebbi
Nigeria's national public health institute has gathered data highlighting the alarming spread of meningitis in Kebbi State and other high-burden areas, including Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Gombe.
Meningitis, a life-threatening infection causing inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, has long been a public health challenge in Nigeria. As the 2023/2024 epidemic season continues, Kebbi State has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, with 881 suspected cases and 67 deaths reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as of March 23, 2025.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has responded to this crisis by launching its first-ever global guidelines for meningitis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. These guidelines aim to curb the spread of the disease, save lives, and improve long-term care for affected individuals.
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Meningitis usually manifests via bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with meningococcal meningitis being the most severe form in Nigeria based on historical burdens. Common symptoms so far include sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
Additional signs such as high-pitched crying and difficulty waking up may be observed in children. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, bacterial meningitis can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, or death.
The Situation in Kebbi State
The NCDC’s data highlights the alarming spread of meningitis in Kebbi State and other high-burden areas, including Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Gombe. These regions have activated multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) to coordinate response efforts.
However, challenges such as inadequately trained personnel, poor sample collection, and inconsistent data reporting persist.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,858 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) across 23 states, with 156 deaths since the start of the 2023/2024 epidemic season.
Kebbi State remains the epicentre, recording 881 suspected cases and 67 deaths.
The WHO’s newly published guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of meningitis in children, adolescents, and adults. Key aspects include:
Early Diagnosis. Encouraging healthcare professionals to recognize symptoms promptly and conduct necessary tests.
Effective Treatment. Advocating for the use of appropriate antibiotics and adjunctive therapies.
Supportive Care. Addressing complications and improving the quality of life for survivors.
Vaccination Campaigns. Promoting the use of vaccines to prevent outbreaks, particularly in high-risk areas like Kebbi State.
Implementing these guidelines in Kebbi State and other affected regions could significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates. Vaccination campaigns, supported by organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have already begun in some areas.
The arrival of over one million doses of the pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s response to the outbreak. These vaccines target individuals aged one to 29 years, the most vulnerable group.
Strengthening health systems
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasised that the guidelines not only prevent more deaths – they help nurture expertise. By addressing gaps in healthcare infrastructure, training personnel, and improving surveillance, Nigeria can better prepare for future outbreaks.
The WHO’s first-ever meningitis guidelines appear to be a timely intervention for Kebbi State and other high-burden areas in Nigeria, because of the gravity of infections.
As the epidemic season continues, collaborative efforts between international organisations, the Nigerian government, and local communities become all the more essential to halt the spread of meningitis and protect vulnerable populations.
Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes, and leaves many others with lasting health challenges, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, said in a news release posted today, 10 April 2025.
According to the release quoting the director-general even further, implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
