Daily Current Affairs : 19-March-2024

Nigeria has made a vast development in public health by introducing the world’s first vaccine against all strains of meningitis. This new vaccine, called Men5CV, aims to reduce the disease burden in Africa’s meningitis belt. The advent of this vaccine is crucial, especially because the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a severe infection that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various pathogens, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi

Among these, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous and poses the greatest threat globally. The most common bacteria responsible for this condition include:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Neisseria meningitidis

These bacteria can lead to serious health complications and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The Men5CV Vaccine

The Men5CV vaccine is a remarkable achievement because it protects against five different strains of meningococcus bacteria with just one shot. This is a significant improvement over earlier vaccines, which offered limited protection. By providing broader immunity, the Men5CV vaccine hopes to reduce the incidence of meningitis in affected regions.

Key Benefits of the Men5CV Vaccine:
  • Broad Protection: Offers immunity against five strains of meningococcus.
  • Single Dose: Requires only one shot for protection, making it easier to administer.
  • Endorsed by WHO: Approved by the World Health Organization, ensuring its safety and efficacy.

Why is this Important?

The introduction of the Men5CV vaccine is timely, as there has been a rise in meningitis cases in Africa’s meningitis belt. With the WHO’s target of eradicating meningitis by 2030, this vaccine could play a critical role in achieving that goal.

Important Points:

  • Introduction of Men5CV Vaccine: Nigeria has launched the world’s first vaccine against all strains of meningitis.
  • Purpose: The vaccine aims to reduce the disease burden in Africa’s meningitis belt.
  • WHO Goal: The introduction aligns with the WHO’s target to eradicate meningitis by 2030.
What is Meningitis?
  • Definition: A severe infection affecting the brain and spinal cord’s protective membranes.
  • Causes:
    • Bacteria
    • Viruses
    • Fungi
  • Primary Threat: Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous.
  • Common Bacteria:
    • Streptococcus pneumoniae
    • Haemophilus influenzae
    • Neisseria meningitidis
The Men5CV Vaccine
  • Protection: Safeguards against five strains of meningococcus with one shot.
  • Advantage: Significant improvement over earlier vaccines with limited protection.
Key Benefits of Men5CV Vaccine:
  • Broad Protection: Immunity against five strains of meningococcus.
  • Single Dose: Only one shot needed for protection, simplifying administration.
  • WHO Endorsement: Approved for safety and efficacy by the World Health Organization.
Importance
  • Timely Introduction: Addresses rising meningitis cases in Africa’s meningitis belt.
  • Potential Impact: Critical in achieving the WHO’s goal of eradicating meningitis by 2030.

Why In News

Nigeria has introduced the world’s first vaccine against all strains of meningitis, known as the Men5CV vaccine, aiming to alleviate the disease burden in Africa’s meningitis belt and significantly improve public health outcomes in vulnerable communities.

MCQs about Nigeria’s Men5CV Vaccine

  1. What is the main purpose of the Men5CV vaccine introduced in Nigeria?
    A. To prevent viral infections
    B. To reduce the burden of meningitis in Africa’s meningitis belt
    C. To treat existing cases of meningitis
    D. To eliminate all bacteria
    Correct Answer: B. To reduce the burden of meningitis in Africa’s meningitis belt
    Explanation: The Men5CV vaccine aims specifically to alleviate the disease burden caused by meningitis in the regions most affected by it.
  2. Which organization has endorsed the Men5CV vaccine for safety and efficacy?
    A. UNICEF
    B. CDC
    C. WHO
    D. FDA
    Correct Answer: C. WHO
    Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the Men5CV vaccine, ensuring that it meets safety and efficacy standards.
  3. What makes the Men5CV vaccine unique compared to earlier vaccines?
    A. It requires multiple doses
    B. It provides protection against five strains of meningococcus in a single shot
    C. It is only effective for children
    D. It can be taken orally
    Correct Answer: B. It provides protection against five strains of meningococcus in a single shot
    Explanation: The Men5CV vaccine is notable for protecting against five different strains of meningococcus with just one injection, which is a significant advancement over previous vaccines.
  4. Why is the introduction of the Men5CV vaccine considered timely?
    A. There has been a rise in viral meningitis cases
    B. There has been a rise in meningitis cases in Africa’s meningitis belt
    C. The vaccine is cheaper than others
    D. It is effective only in Nigeria
    Correct Answer: B. There has been a rise in meningitis cases in Africa’s meningitis belt
    Explanation: The introduction of the Men5CV vaccine comes at a crucial time when there is an increase in meningitis cases in the region, making it a vital tool in public health efforts.

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