The National Centre for Disease Control in Nigeria (NCDC), on Monday, said the vaccination for the Type C strain of meningitis will begin on Wednesday, following the procurement of the vaccines from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu stated this while briefing the Senate committee on primary health care and communicable diseases, on efforts being made to contain the recent epidemic in some states of the country.

Dr. Ihekweazu said the Type C strain of the disease is new to West Africa, hence the seeming unpreparedness to tackle it. He said the vaccine was only procured two weeks ago as the criterion for application is that the affected country must be experiencing an outbreak.

He added that the centre, working in collaboration with the state governments, Ministry of Health, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has adopted a three pronged line of action for prevention, early detection and pushing hard to ensure the vaccines are available.

“This disease is associated with overcrowding, particularly in this weather. We cannot tell people not to overcrowd their homes but we urge them to make sure their homes are well ventilated, and to observe good personal hygiene,” he said.

Dr. Ihekweazu who confirmed that the centre has sent support teams to Zamfara state and other affected states for rapid response, including the establishment of treatment centres, also admitted that not much has been done with the 16 states that are not fully affected.

According to him, the 16 states would however be part of the response approach, noting that the centre is hampered by inadequate funding and limited manpower.