oa Pre- and post-assessment of conjugated vaccine (MenAfriVac) and case-based surveillance system implementation 2010–2015, Sudan

Objective: Since 1998 seasonal epidemic meningitis has been a recurrent problem in Sudan with a variation in the severity between seasons. Mass vaccination campaign with conjugated vaccine (MenAfriVac) for Neisseria meningitidis A was implemented in Sudan since October 2012, since then case base surveillance of meningitis was implemented. The target age group was 1–30 years. Measuring of meningitis trends in three years pre and post the campaign against NmA is mandatory to assess the impact of introducing (MenAfriVac) vaccine.

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of NmA in Sudan, 2010–2015.

Methods: Descriptive study using data of notable suspected meningitis cases by national surveillance system.

Results: EpiInfo 7 software used to analyze the data. 2010–2012 a total of 4273 suspected cases were reported (13.08/100,000 Attack Rate (AR)) with 185 deaths (4.35% Case Fatality Rate (CFR)). The most effected Age-Group was ( < 5) representing 62% of cases, 61% of cases were observed among males and 39% among female. The positivity rate of NmA was 4.2%. 2013–2015 After MenAfriVac® and case-based surveillance implementation; a total of 794 suspected cases were reported (4.5/100,000 AR) with 59 deaths (7.0% CFR), the most effected Age-Groups were (1–4) representing 40.3% of cases following by Age-Groups ( < 1) representing 39.7% of cases, 64% of cases among male and 36% among female. The positivity rate of NmA was 0%, no confirmed case of NmA was reported.

Conclusion: Introducing of MenAfriVac® proved to be an effective strategy contributed to decrease the overall number of meningitis suspected cases in Sudan.