Organization and Implementation of a Preventive Vaccination Campaign Against Meningococcal Meningitis in the Far North Region of Cameroon

Background Meningococcal meningitis remains a significant public health threat within the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa. The Far North region of Cameroon is characterized by high population density, limited access to healthcare, socio-economic challenges and insecurity which exposes it to risks of meningitis epidemics. Objective This study aimed to document the organization, implementation and outcomes of a meningitis preventive vaccination campaign targeting children aged 1 to 15 years in health districts of the Far North region of Cameroon with the goals of vaccinating at least 95% of a target population and enhancing community awareness regarding meningitis prevention. Methods The vaccination campaign was conducted from November 22 to 26; 2023, through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Public Health, its partners, and local health authorities. The campaign targeted 17 selected health districts of the Far North region of Cameroon. A total of 1,500,000 doses of MenAfriVac were procured for distribution. Community mobilization and training of vaccinators were integral components of the campaign, ensuring proper implementation and adherence to safety protocols. A system of surveillance of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) was set up for the monitoring and management of detected cases of AEFI. Results The vaccination coverage registered was 100.95% of the planned target, with 1,446,516 doses administered, including 12,274 (0.8%) during mop-up operations. The health district with highest coverage was Bourha (110.57%) while Fotokol health district had the lowest coverage (80.06%). A total of 140 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported during the vaccination campaign, with 140 (100.0%) classified as minor. The campaign also prioritized the catch-up vaccination of children who missed previous immunizations, successfully reaching 34 799 vaccine doses to children aged 9 months to 9 years for measles-rubella, oral polio (OPV), pentavalent, rotavirus, human papillomavirus and pneumococcal 13-valent (PCV-13) vaccines. A total of 12 061 doses of the measles-rubella vaccine was administered. Conclusion The results of this vaccination campaign underline the effectiveness of organized community mobilization, training, and an integrated approach to health services in preventing meningococcal meningitis among vulnerable populations in Cameroon. Results and outcomes of the campaign provide lessons for improving the design and execution of future immunization initiatives, particularly in regions facing similar public health challenges.