In April 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first-ever global Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis, Treatment and Care. These guidelines build on the latest evidence base and provide a critical tool for reducing deaths and disability caused by the disease and controlling outbreaks worldwide.
Meningitis continues to pose a significant public health threat globally, despite successful efforts to control the disease in several countries and regions of the world. The burden of morbidity and mortality from meningitis remains high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in settings experiencing large-scale, disruptive epidemics. Approximately one in five individuals affected by bacterial meningitis incurs long-term complications, including physical and neuropsychological sequelae, which may result in disability and have a profound impact on the quality of life.
Objectives
- To provide an overview of the newly released WHO guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment, and care, highlighting their relevance as a tool for outbreak preparedness and response.
- To share key recommendations aimed at guiding clinical operations and case management protocols, with a special focus on settings experiencing outbreaks and large-scale epidemics.
- To engage national health authorities, international partners, and frontline healthcare professionals in a discussion on strategies for effectively disseminating and implementing the guidelines during outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies.
Speakers
Opening Remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO
The WHO guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care: a critical tool in outbreak preparedness and response: Dr Lorenzo Pezzoli, WHO
Overview of the guideline recommendations and their applicability in emergency settings: Dr Nicolo’ Binello, WHO
Implementing the guidelines during outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies (Panel discussion): Dr Joseph Oliver-Commey, Ghana Health Service, and Dr Daniela Garone, Médecins sans Frontières
Q&A