Nigeria is facing a growing health emergency as a meningitis outbreak spreads across the country. So far, 151 people have died, with the worst-hit areas in the northern region. Many of the victims are children, and health officials say the situation is getting worse.
The outbreak began in October 2024. Since then, cases have appeared in 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states. In 2025 alone, 74 people have died. Health workers and aid groups describe the rise in deaths as “alarming.”
Officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) say many people are not getting treatment early enough. In some cases, patients wait too long or reach health centres only when their condition becomes serious.
“People arrive at hospitals late, often with life-threatening complications,” said NCDC spokesperson Sani Datti. “This delay is one of the main reasons for the high number of deaths.”
Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under pressure. U.S. funding cuts, introduced during the Trump administration, have made things worse. In the past, Nigeria used this support to fight disease outbreaks and strengthen public health services. With less funding, those efforts have slowed.
Meningitis outbreaks are common during Nigeria’s dry season. This is especially true in the northern states, which lie within Africa’s “meningitis belt.” Dry winds and hot weather create ideal conditions for the disease to spread quickly.
This infection affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can turn deadly in a matter of hours if not treated. The World Health Organization also notes that Nigeria carries the world’s highest burden of malaria, making the health crisis even more complex.
To help fight the outbreak, Nigeria recently received over one million doses of vaccine from Gavi, the global vaccine alliance. Health officials called the shipment a major step forward and plan to start vaccination campaigns in the hardest-hit areas.
Authorities are also stepping up efforts to track the disease. The NCDC is working with state health teams to improve testing, gather data, and spread information. Public awareness campaigns urge people to watch for symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, and severe headaches. These signs can appear suddenly, and experts say early treatment is crucial.
Still, reaching remote communities remains a major challenge. Many of these areas lack clinics, medical staff, or even roads. Health workers say this limits their ability to respond quickly.
“We’ve seen hundreds of cases and many deaths in just weeks,” said Simba Tirima, Nigeria’s country lead for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). “The problem is that people can’t get medical care in time.”
Tirima explained that meningitis moves fast. “In some cases, a patient’s health can drop in under 24 hours. That’s why we need mass vaccination now.”
As the country works to control the outbreak, experts say Nigeria must invest more in basic healthcare. Better access, more vaccines, and stronger early-warning systems could help prevent future outbreaks.