As of the first week of March health officials in neighbouring Nigeria have reported more than 5,200 cases with 323 deaths, according to WHO.
Nigeria has been approved for an emergency shipment of 1.7 million vaccines from WHO’s meningitis vaccine stock, while WHO has asked Niger to submit more information to clarify its vaccine request.
Noting the early onset of the epidemic – infections are typically highest at the end of March – donors are trying to raise emergency funds to supply additional vaccines, improve surveillance and ensure treatment.
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