6.5 million school students immunized against meningitis: Health Ministry

CAIRO - 9 January 2020: The Ministry of Health said on Thursday as many as 6.5 million school students nationwide got vaccinated against meningitis during the current academic year .

The vaccination campaign comprised travelers to meningitis-hit countries, pilgrims and the targeted segments to deter the spread of the bacterial virus in Egypt.

According to WHO, Egypt is not included in the African meningitis belt.

As many as 4.5 million primary school students got vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus diseases during the current academic year, said Spokesman for health minister Khaled Mogahed.

He added that some 16.5 million children were immunized against polio as well.

Earlier reports denied that Egyptian school students were diagnosed with meningitis.