The Nigerian federal government has issued a warning to citizens about the elevated risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) during the dry season, characterized by dust, winds, and cold nights. In 2023, the disease claimed 190 lives, highlighting the importance of caution during weather conditions that bring upper respiratory tract infections, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
During the 2022/2023 period, Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases of CSM, resulting in the mentioned fatalities across 140 Local Government Areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), emphasized that the highest burden of CSM occurs in the “Meningitis Belt,” covering 19 Northern states, the FCT, and certain southern states.
Despite advancements in surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccination, CSM remains a persistent public health threat in Nigeria, leading to annual outbreaks in high-burden states. Adetifa assured that the government, in collaboration with various agencies and partners, is actively working to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of the disease. The NCDC, through the CSM Technical Working Group (TWG), has implemented measures to enhance coordination, collaboration, and communication for an effective CSM response.
Preventive measures include alerting state governments and public health authorities to the heightened risk, mobilizing resources for preparedness and response activities, and conducting routine meetings of the National multi-sectoral CSM TWG to coordinate prevention and preparedness efforts.