Within two years, Malaysia will produce the world's first halal meningitis vaccination. The $1.06 million USD (3.6 million MYR) research project, jointly run by the Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Finlay Institute in Cuba, expects to benefit millions of Muslims who annually troop to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage.

A memorandum of understanding between the two institutions will be signed in Cuba on December, Malaysia Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said Thursday at a gathering hosted by USM's Health Faculty.

Malaysia will shoulder $594,000 USD (2 million MYR), while Cuba will pay for the $475,000 USD (1.6 million MYR) balance.

Meningitis is the swelling of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. According to the World Health Organization a large number of Muslim pilgrims, especially from African countries with high levels of meningococcal diseases, gather every year in Saudi Arabia leading to high incidents of meningitis during the Haj. In 2000, an all time high of 304 meningitis cases were reported.

In an effort to contain meningitis during Haj, Saudi Arabia set up vaccination centers around the Holy Mosque, Mecca and Medina and at various ports of entry.