Leveraging on Prompt Proactive and Preventive Integrated Strategies (PPPIS) for Meningitis Control in Nigeria: Getting it Right

Background: Given the escalating morbidity and mortality recorded annually due to meningitis outbreak in Nigeria, it is fast becoming a disease of public health concern.

Objectives: This study described and discussed preventive strategies based on the disease pattern to generate information on the concept of prompt, proactive, and preventive integrated strategies (PPPIS).

Methods: The study was a narrative overview of relevant literatures obtained through hand search, databases, and authoritative materials.

Results: The highest suspected cases of meningitis 15733 was recorded in 1996 with 2411 (15.3%) deaths, and in 2009 when 54766 suspected cases and 2449 (4.5%) deaths were recorded. Meningitis was reported in five states of Northern Nigeria with 1407-suspected cases and 211 deaths between January 2016 and March 2017. This figure rose to 13, 420 suspected cases and 1, 069 deaths in 23 states with the five initial states inclusive. The fatality ratio was 8% in May 2017.

Conclusion: Meningitis has become an increasing contributor to disease burden with high mortality, morbidity, and economic consequences. Adoption of prompt, proactive, and preventive strategies among other integrated approaches could stem and reverse the trend.