In 2001, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation earmarked $70 million to develop and produce meningitis vaccines tailored for children and adults living in Africa.

This vaccine was expected to provide immunity in infants, elicit longer duration of protection and interrupt transmission for prevention of epidemics. Development and introduction of this conjugate vaccine entailed the establishment of a partnership with the private sector and many other groups such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was the leading technical partner.