How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

By: Abdulkareem Yakubu

For several weeks, MSF teams in Northwest Nigeria battled a meningitis outbreak, providing vital care for hundreds of patients and supporting a mass vaccination campaign. It was a mobilization that significantly contributed to saving lives and reducing the number of cases.

In the first days of February 2025, many men, women, and children in northwestern Nigeria suddenly became very ill. Some experienced convulsions or became unconscious. For those affected, the cause of the mystery disease was not immediately clear.

“I woke up one morning with pain in the neck, stiffness in one leg, and back pain,” said 26-year-old Aisha Faruq, while recovering in the MSF-supported General Hospital of Gwandu, a local government area (LGA) in Kebbi, the most northwestern state of Nigeria. “I vaguely remember what happened next, like going to school. That’s where I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was here.”

As hospitals filled with patients, MSF health educators connected with the hardest hit communities to raise awareness and direct residents to MSF-supported medical facilities.

“Initially, community members often thought they had contracted malaria, as they were suffering from fever and headache,” said David Musa, an MSF community health educator in Gwandu. “But some distinct symptoms such as neck stiffness or brain swelling in infants alerted health professionals that we were dealing with something else.”

Soon after, the cause was officially confirmed: meningitis was behind the surge in admissions to health facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Rapid care is vital

Meningitis is considered a major global health threat. According to a study based on 2021 data and published in The Lancet, more than 2 million cases of meningitis are estimated to occur globally each year, with over 200,000 resulting in death.

The disease, which records recurrent outbreaks in the vast African belt area stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia – known as the “meningitis belt” – is highly lethal if left untreated. Studies show that 50 to 80 percent of patients may die without prompt medical care.

Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets, throat secretions, or by faecal contamination. Bacterial meningitis – commonly found in Nigeria – is the most serious type of meningitis and can cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

To help authorities respond to this very dangerous outbreak, MSF teams in Kebbi and Sokoto states quickly provided support by deploying staff and medical supplies to hard-hit areas, expanding bed capacity in several health facilities, training medical staff from the state ministries of health, and launching awareness-raising campaigns.

“In Kebbi, where most cases were reported, we admitted over 500 patients in the first 12 days of our intervention in the LGAs of Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” said Dr. Sham’un Abubakar, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Kebbi. “Even with the additional beds we installed, we had to place mattresses on the floor to accommodate the overflow of patients.”

Over a nine-week period, 2,095 patients were admitted for meningitis in the facilities supported by MSF in Kebbi.

In neighbouring Sokoto state, MSF teams supported case management (including remote assistance), training, and the supply of medical supplies in five primary health care centres and two general hospitals in Tambuwal LGA.

By early May, MSF teams in Sokoto had treated a total of 880 meningitis patients in MSF-supported facilities.

Meningitis can affect people of all ages, but the highest proportion of reported cases is among children aged 1 to 15 years. Children under the age of five, due to their weaker immune systems, are especially at high risk of dying.

“Unfortunately, survivors are also at risk of developing long-term neurological and cognitive problems,” said Dr. Abubakar. “Patients may suffer hearing loss, vision problems, and seizures, as well as increased pressure on the skull and brain. Many survivors also remain at risk of experiencing a stroke.”

Ten-month-old Sha’ayau was admitted to the Jega General Hospital in late April with multiple symptoms, including brain swelling. He was discharged many days later but referred to a specialist to evaluate potential neurological complications.

“His older brother was hospitalized [for meningitis] weeks ago,” said his mother, Saratu Hamza. “But now he has lost his hearing.”

A mass vaccination campaign

While providing rapid treatment is key to preventing fatalities and long-term consequences, fighting meningitis also requires vaccinating as many people as possible to break the transmission chain.

“Conducting a mass vaccination is essential, as it provides immunity against the disease for up to five to eight years, hence significantly reducing the risk of infection – even in the event of another outbreak,” said Dr. Abubakar.

In Kebbi state, MSF teams partnered with UNICEF and WHO to support the state Ministry of Health in setting up an immunization campaign. In just one week, close to half a million people were vaccinated, with two thirds of them under the age of 15.

While official figures are still being compiled, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded more than 4,000 meningitis cases nationwide between early February and early May. Seventy percent of those cases were treated in MSF-supported facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Today, thanks in large part to MSF’s swift and effective response, the number of cases in both states has declined, and our teams could gradually wind down emergency responses and transition back to routine treatment and regular medical activities, continuing to support Ministry of Health staff.

How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The establishment of the UMTH ICT Centre marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s distinguished career in hospital management. This center exemplifies his commitment to integrating modern technology within healthcare systems to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. This professor of interventional radiology has added to his thinking cap a digital innovation. The UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal resource for streamlining hospital processes, improving data management, and supporting clinical decision-making, thereby reinforcing Professor Ahidjo’s reputation for forward-thinking leadership.

Professor Ahidjo’s successful records in hospital administration are characterized by his ability to implement sustainable strategies that optimize resource allocation and promote technological advancement. The inauguration of the UMTH ICT Center further consolidates these achievements by providing healthcare professionals with robust tools for managing information systems effectively. This initiative aligns with contemporary trends emphasizing digitization in healthcare institutions, reflecting an understanding of the critical role that information communication technology plays in modern medical environments.

The UMTH ICT Centre stands as another testament to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s exemplary contributions to hospital management. His visionary approach not only advances institutional capabilities but also sets a benchmark for integrating ICT solutions within healthcare frameworks, ultimately enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes. His efforts not only exemplify a commitment to excellence but also inspire future leaders in the healthcare sector to embrace technological advancements as a means of driving positive change. His legacy in healthcare management continues to inspire innovation and excellence, ensuring that the UMTH remains at the forefront of medical technology integration. 

Through his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, Professor Ahidjo has ensured that the UMTH continues to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery in the digital age. His leadership exemplifies the transformative impact of integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems, ensuring that UMTH not only meets current demands but is also well-prepared for future challenges. His strategic foresight in leveraging ICT not only enhances operational efficiencies but also significantly contributes to the overall improvement of patient care quality and safety. His commitment to integrating ICT solutions is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about setting a new standard for excellence in healthcare management.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/unmasking-prof-dilli-dogo-new-vc-of-nile-university/

Although this does not come easily, the establishment of the ICT Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo has played a crucial role in enhancing both internal and external communication systems, managing hardware and software infrastructure, and supporting health management information systems. Prof. Ahidjo’s stewardship has been instrumental in expanding this department to include 17 dedicated staff members who ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of ICT services.

This development is not merely administrative but transformative, as it facilitates efficient healthcare delivery through improved data management and connectivity. The integration of advanced ICT tools under Prof. Ahidjo’s guidance underscores his visionary approach to modernizing UMTH’s operations. Consequently, the establishment of this center will undoubtedly remain an indelible legacy that reflects his commitment to innovation and institutional growth.

For Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the establishment of the ICT Center at UMTH represents the realization of a long-held vision to propel the institution into the future of medicine. This initiative aligns with global efforts to integrate advanced technology within healthcare systems, thereby enhancing service delivery and medical research capabilities. The ICT Center is designed to facilitate efficient data management, telemedicine, and digital diagnostics, which are critical components in meeting international health standards.

The implementation of cutting-edge information and communication technologies has further strengthened the CMD’s position as an all-rounder in both health and management. The ICT center indeed shows that Professor Ahmed Ahidjo aims to transform UMTH from a traditional health institution into a modern medical hub capable of addressing contemporary challenges. This transformation not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters collaborative opportunities with global health organizations. The development of the ICT center at UMTH underscores the commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare education and service provision, which the professor of interventional radiology has brought to play. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria –Prof. Tahir

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Medical Director of the ultra modern Police Hospital Damaturu Prof Bashir Tahir has said that his facility has one of the best Ophthalmology departments in North East Nigeria.

He made this declaration while speaking with this reporter in Damaturu recently.

Professor Tahir stated that having met the facility in a near comatose state, he and his team have been able to create a department of Opthalmology plus six others and set it on a very high standard ready to serve the people in the catchment area.

Tahir who spoke through his Director of Administration Mallam Hamza Saleh stated that “Our Opthalmology dept is one of the best in the North East of Nigeria and you can get a recommended glasses within an hour because of the state of arts machines in that very department in the hospital.”

Speaking on the current expansion going on in the facility the MD stated that “We have ENT and consultants coming from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH alternatively during the week to do routine consultations, ward rounds and even operations in the theatre.

“We recently spent about N10m to buy equipments in the ENT and we do hope that all the equipments will be available before the end of the year.

On the revitalization of the facility, he went on: “We actually met the three theatres in bad shape but we have been able to put them into functional use by restructuring them accordingly. For now all three are functioning including the O and G theatre where routine operations have been conducted.

“When we came on board also the hospital was not departmentalized. So we did that and opened the way for more doctors to come by creating these seven departments for them to work in an organized way.

“All the departments are functional with seven consultants who man these departments to the satisfaction of all the patients who visit the facility.

This new facility can also boast of two Eye Nose and Throat surgeons and others as the support staff to support the facility.

“We have about 100 nurses with one that is a police officer. We also have some of them with specialized techniques and that has contributed to the progress of the place.

On medical lab scientists, the MD posited that they now have six lab scientists in different areas, two pharmacists and a couple of technicians that assist them on the ground on a daily basis.

They have a solid Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with a pharmacy company in the supply of drugs which is used to stabilize the availability of drugs in the hospital.

On supply of drugs, he noted that they make sure that people served well and patient are the priority of anything that happens in the facility adding that they now have satellite pharmacies in the facility to ensure quality time is not wasted.

The MD said that it was part of their plan to get most of the major equipments before any fresh employment of any professional commences so that all hands will be on deck to ensure the best.

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria –Prof. Tahir