The rollout in Nigeria represents one step closer towards the goal of total elimination by 2030, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at the World Health Organization (WHO).
Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal. Symptoms often include headache, fever and stiff neck.
There are multiple causes, including viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens. The most serious - bacterial meningitis - can also result in blood poisoning and can seriously disable or kill within 24 hours after being contracted.
Nigeria is among the 26 meningitis hyper-endemic countries of Africa, an area known as the African Meningitis Belt.