Ethiopia is located on the eastern border of the meningitis belt and is regularly affected by both the endemic and epidemic forms of the disease. Major meningococcal disease outbreaks were recorded in 1998-1999 and in 2001-2002. More than 40,000 cases were reported in 1989. No major outbreaks have been reported in 2009.

MenAfriCar’s collaborating centre in Ethiopia is The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), Addis Ababa.