AFENET PROJECT
Strengthening Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) Surveillance and Response in Northern Nigeria
Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) Project is an ongoing public health intervention led by AFENET Nigeria to improve early detection, laboratory confirmation, and coordinated response to meningitis outbreaks across Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Yobe States.
Implemented within Nigeria’s meningitis belt, the project focuses on strengthening surveillance systems, improving data harmonization, enhancing laboratory support, and reinforcing state-level preparedness during peak transmission periods. Through targeted technical assistance and capacity building, the project supports state and national efforts to reduce preventable illness and deaths associated with cerebrospinal meningitis.
Strengthened early detection and reporting of suspected CSM cases during peak transmission seasons across supported states.
Project Goal
To reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cerebrospinal meningitis by strengthening enhanced surveillance, laboratory confirmation, and coordinated outbreak response across high-risk states in northern Nigeria.
What the Project Is Delivering
The project strengthens meningitis preparedness through integrated surveillance and response activities. Enhanced CSM surveillance is deployed during peak transmission periods, supported by real-time reporting through SORMAS and alignment with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework.
Laboratory systems are reinforced through improved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample collection, referral, and confirmation processes. Health workers across surveillance, laboratory, and response pillars receive continuous mentorship, training, and supportive supervision to improve performance and data quality.
Routine data review meetings, field monitoring, and adaptive implementation ensure that response efforts remain timely, targeted, and evidence-driven.
Measurable Progress in CSM Surveillance and Preparedness
Surveillance, laboratory, and response personnel trained and mentored
high-risk meningitis belt states supported
Enhanced CSM surveillance activated during peak transmission seasons
Improved timeliness and completeness of CSM case reporting across supported LGAs
Vaccine effectiveness studies conducted across the four state
