Global Control of Meningococcal Disease

This editorial discusses the persistent global challenge of meningococcal disease, emphasizing its epidemic impact in sub-Saharan Africa and the success of the MenAfriVac vaccine program targeting serogroup A. Despite reductions in disease from serogroup A, outbreaks caused by serogroups C, W, and X continue, prompting the need for affordable multivalent vaccines. The editorial highlights a promising investigational pentavalent vaccine (NmCV-5) trialed in Mali and Gambia, showing strong immunogenicity and safety in youth aged 2–29. This development supports WHO’s "Defeating Meningitis by 2030" roadmap aimed at epidemic elimination, reduced mortality and disability, and global vaccine integration.

This editorial discusses the persistent global challenge of meningococcal disease, emphasizing its epidemic impact in sub-Saharan Africa and the success of the MenAfriVac vaccine program targeting serogroup A. Despite reductions in disease from serogroup A, outbreaks caused by serogroups C, W, and X continue, prompting the need for affordable multivalent vaccines. The editorial highlights a promising investigational pentavalent vaccine (NmCV-5) trialed in Mali and Gambia, showing strong immunogenicity and safety in youth aged 2–29. This development supports WHO’s "Defeating Meningitis by 2030" roadmap aimed at epidemic elimination, reduced mortality and disability, and global vaccine integration.