Over 800 Nigerians have been killed by meningitis since the latest outbreak of the epidemic in the country 16 weeks ago. Mr. Adewole said though the outbreak which started in Nigeria in 2016 is now spreading more slowly, the disease has killed 813 people. The outbreak of meningitis C is concentrated in northern Nigeria, where a mass vaccination programme has begun to limit its spread. Five north-west states, which include Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger and Kebbi, were the most affected by the outbreak. Mr. Adewole said the government was exploring a joint venture with a local drug manufacturer to produce the vaccines in Nigeria.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 27, 2017 05:37 UTC