Doctors Without Borders' fight against Nigeria's meningitis C outbreak

Doctors Without Borders is actively working alongside the Nigerian Ministry of Health and the Center for Disease Control to contain the meningitis C outbreak in Nigeria. Geke Huisman, the medical coordinator for Nigeria at Doctors Without Borders, recently provided an update on the situation in a Skype interview from the northeastern region of the country. Nigeria, located in the 'meningitis belt,' faces periodic outbreaks every decade, making it crucial for the nation to be adequately prepared for such health emergencies. The recent surge in cases has highlighted the importance of early detection and surveillance to effectively manage outbreaks. Strengthening the primary healthcare system and enhancing surveillance mechanisms are vital steps in preventing outbreaks from escalating to uncontrollable levels. Geke underscored the need for proactive measures to bolster the country's readiness for future health crises, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between healthcare organizations like Doctors Without Borders and government agencies such as the NCDC. By learning from the current outbreak, Nigeria aims to improve its response strategies not only for meningitis but also for other infectious diseases like measles and cholera. Geke remains hopeful that the efforts being made now will enhance the state's ability to combat outbreaks efficiently in the future.