Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, and results in septicaemia and/or meningitis. The infection spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets. Not all infections lead to disease, as people can carry the bacteria in their respiratory tracts without having symptoms.

Meningococcal disease is a major threat to health in parts of sub-Saharan Africa (the “African meningitis belt”). Here, major epidemics occur every few years. While previous attempts to prevent meningococcal disease with vaccination have had limited success, a new conjugate vaccine is in development.

MenAfriCar, a global research effort, has been launched to ensure that this new vaccine is used as effectively as possible to prevent meningococcal disease in Africa.